June 5, 2011

For Pac-10's Smallest Programs, Rich TV Deal Offers a Glimpse of Self-Sufficiency

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Tom Hauck, Getty Images

Oregon State U.’s athletics program borrowed millions from the university foundation for an addition to Reser Stadium (above). The Pac-10’s $3-billion media deal will allow the program to pay the money back.

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Tom Hauck, Getty Images

Oregon State U.’s athletics program borrowed millions from the university foundation for an addition to Reser Stadium (above). The Pac-10’s $3-billion media deal will allow the program to pay the money back.

By Libby Sander

When the Pac-10 announced its eye-popping $3-billion media-rights deal last month—with the likelihood of even more money flowing from the future creation of a conference TV network—it didn't take long for officials at the league's smallest programs to start thinking about how the infusion of cash will help.

With the conference's smallest budget, at $38-million, Washington State University officials have visions of sprucing up tired facilities, expanding recruiting budgets,