Exposure
Much like the Big Ten, the Pac-12 owns a digital cable and satellite TV network with massive distribution potential. Despite its well-publicized impasse with DirecTV, the Pac-12 Network reaches 15 million homes, according to media analysts.
The conference’s addition of the sport opens more airwaves for lacrosse games to be televised at home and streamed online, including on Twitter.
Funding
The conference funnels its TV money back to its member institutions and their Pac-12 sports. It’s no coincidence new lacrosse facilities are popping up at Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers just three years into the Big Ten era.
Travel budgets also have expanded. In December 2016, Pac-12 funding helped to send Colorado and Oregon to Australia for international competition and clinics.
“The MPSF was incredibly supportive and is the reason for the huge growth of lacrosse out West,” said Elliott, referring to the regional conference that will continue to house Denver, San Diego State and UC Davis. “However, the Pac-12 provides us many more resources to utilize, a larger established infrastructure and a level of exposure.”
Rivalries
The Big Game, the Apple Cup, the Civil War — these rivalry games are entrenched in college football and basketball lore.
Pac-12 women’s lacrosse won’t be the subject of a “30 for 30” documentary anytime soon, but you have to start somewhere. Expect rivalries to germinate quickly, however, with Pac-12 teams playing each other twice per season in home-and-away series. It’s a subtle but significant distinction.