The second season of the new Big 12 features expanded broadcast partnerships, with TNT joining ESPN and Fox as the third prong in the conference\u2019s content-delivery machinery.<\/p>\n
Except it\u2019s not really three prongs.<\/p>\n
Combine linear TV (over-the-air and cable) with streaming services, and Big 12 games will be available across nine networks throughout the regular season.<\/p>\n
No other conference comes close.<\/p>\n
The SEC has an exclusive agreement with ESPN and its family of linear and streaming platforms, including ABC.<\/p>\n
The ACC is also all-in with ESPN, which sub-licenses games to The CW.<\/p>\n
The Big Ten? It has three media partners, like the Big 12, but fewer streaming options.<\/p>\n
The arrangement allows the Big 12 to establish proof of performance across multiple platforms, potentially generating enhanced interest for its media rights when they become available in the early 2030s.<\/p>\n
But for the uninitiated, the addition of TNT to the lineup this season could make locating games a tad tricky at the outset.<\/p>\n
As such, the Hotline corralled as many details as possible to offer fans a summary of where, and when, to find Big 12 games.<\/p>\n
Please note:<\/p>\n
The following information excludes the Week 0 games (Aug. 23): Iowa State vs. Kansas State in Dublin and Fresno State at Kansas.<\/p>\n
Nor have we included the shoulder and supplementary content available this season. (TNT will broadcast an inside-access show, XII Uncovered, for example.) Those details can be found on the networks\u2019 websites.<\/p>\n
The information below is specific to the games themselves, starting with Week 1.<\/p>\n
(All times Pacific)<\/p>\n
\u2014 Kickoff times and TV assignments for the first three weeks of the season and all special date games (e.g., Friday nights) were released months ago.<\/p>\n
Details for the remaining games will be revealed each Monday beginning Sept. 8.<\/p>\n
The start times are usually announced 12 days before kickoff, but the Big 12\u2019s network partners have a handful of six-day selection options (which are often held for late in the season).<\/p>\n
\u2014 Big 12 games will air on linear television via ESPN\/ESPN2\/ABC, Fox\/FS1 and TNT, plus the streaming platforms for each network: ESPN+, Fox One, which is new, and HBO Max. (In some cases, the TNT games will be simulcast on truTV.)<\/p>\n
\u2014 There will be 27 games on ESPN\/ESPN2\/ABC. (ESPNU is no longer part of the contract.) Look for the Big 12 games on ABC to air in the 9 a.m. window or in primetime (4:30 p.m. on the West Coast).<\/p>\n
\u2014 There will be 35 games on Fox and FS1, with a minimum of seven required for Fox. Most games on Fox\u2019s over-the-air network will occupy one of three windows: 9 a.m. (i.e., Big Noon), 12:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Additionally, there could be a handful of Big 12 games on Fox at 7:15 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u2014 TNT will air 13 games over the 14-week season as part of its sub-licensing agreement with ESPN. The only Saturday without a Big 12 game on TNT is Sept. 20.<\/p>\n
Games on TNT will typically start early, at 9 a.m., in order to avoid going head-to-head with the marquee SEC game of the week later in the day.<\/p>\n
(Note: The TNT inventory was originally scheduled for ESPN+, before the sub-licensing agreement was struck last year.)<\/p>\n
\u2014 In the first three weeks of the season, the Big 12 will have four games on broadcast TV (each on Fox): South Dakota at Iowa State, Iowa at Iowa State, Delaware at Colorado and Oregon State at Texas Tech.<\/p>\n
Those same Saturdays will feature three games on ESPN, three on TNT and 12 on ESPN+.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Eight games will be televised on Friday nights, including Arizona-Kansas State on Sept. 12, which does not count in the conference standings.<\/p>\n
Four Friday night games will air on ESPN, with three on Fox and one each on FS1 and ESPN+.<\/p>\n
Additionally, there are two games on Black Friday: Utah at Kansas (9 a.m. on ABC\/ESPN) and Arizona-ASU, which has not been set.<\/p>\n
Again, the in-season selection process will begin Sept. 8, for the games scheduled on Sept. 20.<\/p>\n
Previously published season preview content:<\/p>\n
\u2014 My AP preseason ballot<\/a> *** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to wilnerhotline@bayareanewsgroup.com<\/a> or call 408-920-5716<\/p>\n *** Follow me on the social media platform X: @WilnerHotline<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t
\u2014 Bowl projections for Pac-12 legacy schools<\/a>
\u2014 Forecasting the Big 12 race<\/a>
\u2014 Big 12 Hot Seat breakdown<\/a>
\u2014 Ranking the Big 12 quarterbacks<\/a>
\u2014 Why the Big 12 killed its preseason poll<\/a><\/p>\n