Pac-12 Networks to distribute its live sports programming to international audiences on YouTube

Online subscription service scheduled to launch in 27 countries in late August

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. (July 24, 2014) – Pac-12 Networks announced today that it will distribute Pac-12 Networks sports programming to international audiences through a new YouTube paid channel scheduled to launch in late August.

Pac-12 Networks becomes the first live streaming 24x7 subscription sports channel on YouTube. The new channel will distribute the Pac-12 Network feed as well as Video On Demand content to 27 countries at launch, expanding to additional countries over time.

“Securing international distribution has been a top priority for us, especially knowing that we have so many alumni and a growing fan base outside of the United States,” Pac-12 Networks President Lydia Murphy-Stephans said. “YouTube is synonymous with innovation and instantly provides us with incredible reach to serve our fans and universities. We are very excited about this new channel.”

Pac-12 Networks will stream 850 live events this year, including 35 football games, 150 men’s basketball games and hundreds of Olympic sports events that are especially popular abroad. In addition, Pac-12 Networks will feature hundreds of hours of studio shows, exclusive content and original programming to provide fans with the inside access and in depth coverage of every Pac-12 game that they can’t find anywhere else.

"We love seeing Pac-12 Networks take advantage of the huge opportunity to connect with fans around the world through YouTube," YouTube Global Head of Partnerships Claude Ruibal said.

The new subscription service will expose the Pac-12’s nation leading sports programs to international markets that largely reflect the diversity that exists on Pac-12 rosters. Last year’s Oregon State men’s basketball team, as an example, featured student-athletes from seven different countries.

Pac-12 fans living in supported countries can learn more about the service at http://pac-12.com/pac-12-networks-international.  Once the service launches, that page will detail how to sign up and start watching Pac-12 Networks on YouTube immediately.