Pac-12 approves nonconference game plan with parameters

The Pac-12 reversed course Thursday and approved nonconference games for healthy teams that have a league contest canceled because of COVID-19 issues, according to a conference source with knowledge of the situation.

The athletic directors agreed to the move earlier in the week after a spate of cancellations raised the prospect that an odd number of healthy teams could be left without an opponent, leaving one without a game to play.

The presidents and chancellors, who implemented a conferenceonly schedule in July, approved the reversal Thursday.

“The Pac-12 is committed to maintaining maximum flexibility to provide our football studentathletes with an opportunity to

compete, while continuing to ensure that health and safety remains our number one priority,” Commissioner Larry Scott said as the news became official.

The conference attached parameters to any nonconference game:

— All Pac-12 testing and related protocols must be adhered to by the nonconference opponent;

(Pac-12 teams conduct antigen tests each day of practice or hightransmission activities; prior to travel; and on game day. They also require at least one PCR test per week.)

— The non-conference game will in all cases be a home game for the Pac-12 team, broadcast by a Pac-12 television partner;

(Each game televised by Fox or ESPN generates approximately $5 million for the conference, or $417,000 per member.)

— If a Pac-12 opponent becomes available by the end of day Thursday in any given week, the Conference game must be played in lieu of any non-conference game.

It is not known how many teams will pursue nonconference games.

Economically, it might not make sense.

Opponents from the Mountain West or other Group of Five leagues would require a paycheck in return for their efforts and expenses.

But without ticket sales and concessions to drive up game-day revenue, Pac-12 teams would be forced to dip into their TV income to make the guarantee payment.