Social Media Reacts To George Kliavkoff Being Named New Pac-12 Commissioner
May 13, 2021, 12:28 PM
This is the Pac12 logo in Rice Eccles Stadium before the Utah Utes and Brigham Young Cougars college football game on September 10, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)
(Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Social media erupted following the news that George Kliavkoff will replace Larry Scott as the new Pac-12 Commissioner.
His first day in office will be on July 1st. However, between now and then he will work alongside Larry Scott to ensure a healthy transition.
Am told one big selling point for new Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff is that he's proven that he can really lead big-time properties thru major change and get impressive results, which is something that college sports is obviously going through right now.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) May 13, 2021
One of the biggest tasks for Kliavkoff will be securing a much better television deal than his predecessor found. The Pac-12 Networks needs a bigger platform to further advance the conference.
George Kliavkoff has SO MUCH experience in the television business. Looks promising with the new TV deal looming.
— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) May 13, 2021
Name, image and likeness; playoff expansion; media rights; sports betting … new #Pac12 commish George Kliavkoff is already demonstrating a great grip on the issues the conference faces. His history suggests he is a man who gets things done.
— Neill Woelk (@NeillWoelk) May 13, 2021
The Pac-12 Conference is in a precarious position as Kliavkoff joins. The issues facing the conference and college athletics is unprecedented with drastic changes likely forthcoming as Kliavkoff is well aware.
Oregon prez Michael Schill on Kliavkoff: "He is the new prototype for a sports commissioner. While George has deep sports experience, his biggest asset is his ability to listen, connect with diverse groups, find common ground, collaborate and navigate an evolving landscape."
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) May 13, 2021
The expectation for Kliavkoff is high considering the mess that Scott left him. The Conference must adapt and change fast if it hopes to stay in contact with the likes of the SEC. The Pac-12 for many years now has been seen as the bottom dwellers amongst power five conferences.
Kliavkoff has his hands full.
Social media, for the most part, is pleasantly optimistic that Kliavkoff will handle most issues seamlessly. However, the jury is still out.
