Pac-12 Networks won't have on-site presence for Oregon-Washington title game

The Pac-12 Networks "will have no linear television presence" originating from Allegiant Stadium for the Oregon-Washington conference title game tomorrow night, according to Jon Wilner of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. On-site coverage "was swallowed up by cost cuts as the conference downsizes operations." The "scope-of-services plan" crafted by Commissioner George Kliavkoff and approved by the presidents "did not bother to include expenses for a Pac-12 Networks presence at the championship game." Sources said that it "would have cost a maximum of $100,000 to send the on-air talent to Las Vegas and provide the production support." The networks’ "failed business model and ongoing distribution woes" helped create the circumstances that "led to the conference’s demise, which produced the cash-crunch that’s preventing the networks from having a presence in Las Vegas." The game will air on ABC, while the Pac-12's website will host some "digital features" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 11/29).