The Big 12 Conference has partnered with television broadcaster Gray Media to launch a new free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel for fans of the college sports conference.
The channel, called Big 12 Studios, will be distributed across leading FAST platforms like YouTube and will offer game replays, in-game footage, highlights and ancillary programming. Gray’s subsidiary Raycom Media is spearheading the broadcaster’s side of the project.
In addition to streaming, programs from Big 12 Studios will also air on traditional broadcast TV stations owned by Gray, the companies affirmed this week. Some of the stations that will carry Big 12 Studios programming include KPHO (Channel 5, CBS) and KPHE-LD (Channel 44) in Phoenix, KAZF (Channel 32) in Flagstaff, KSMO (Channel 62) in Kansas City and KMYL (Channel 14) in Lubbock.
“We are thrilled to partner with Raycom Sports to launch the league’s first-ever 24/7 channel, Brett Yormark, the Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, said in a statement. “Storytelling is at the forefront of everything we do and is a key part of our narrative and brand building efforts. Through Big 12 Studios, we have the capability to showcase our brand and deliver original programming to fans across the country.”
The first program being developed by Big 12 Studios is “Inside the 12,” which will showcase Big 12 football games each week. After college football season, the show will continue tracking other college sports that fall under the Big 12’s purview.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to build new platforms with the Big 12 Conference” said Hunter Nickell, the CEO of Raycom Sports. “It’s an exciting new chapter for Raycom Sports to bring Big 12 schools, athletes, and stories to their fans wherever they want it.”
Raycom Media has more than 45 years of producing and distribution of college sports, dating well before the company’s merger with Gray in 2019. Gray owns or operates television stations in 113 markets across the country.
