Matt Elliott Talks Media Rights, Mountain West Future & UH Athletics Momentum

University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director Matt Elliott joined Wake Up in The Den with Ku‘ulei Agbayani and Paul Brecht to provide a wide-ranging update on the state of UH athletics — from on-field success and community impact to major developments in media rights, conference alignment, and the evolving landscape of college sports.

Media Rights Partnership & Expanded Exposure

One of the most significant developments discussed was UH’s ongoing local media rights negotiations, with Hawaii News Now identified as the selected partner to finalize a deal ahead of the 2026 season.

While a final agreement has not yet been signed, Elliott explained that publicly identifying the partner now allows both sides to begin the extensive preparation required before the new season — including production planning, staffing, and infrastructure setup.

At the core of the partnership is a clear objective: maximize visibility and access for UH athletics across multiple platforms.

Under the proposed model:

• A larger number of home events will air on linear television, increasing traditional broadcast access across the state
• Hawaii News Now will serve as the primary production partner for many broadcasts
• UH will simultaneously build out its own internal production capabilities, allowing multiple events to be produced at the same time
• Games will be distributed across both television and digital streaming platforms, rather than relying on a single outlet

This hybrid approach is especially important for Hawai‘i, where overlapping events have historically limited coverage.

Elliott pointed to scenarios where, for example, a baseball and softball game happening at the same time could both be available to fans — one on television, the other via streaming — instead of forcing a choice between the two.

A Shift Toward Volume & Accessibility

Beyond just distribution, the philosophy behind the deal represents a shift.

Rather than prioritizing a select number of broadcasts, UH is aiming for volume — getting as many games as possible in front of fans.

That includes:

• Football, basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, and softball (as required by the Mountain West Conference)
• Olympic sports such as men’s volleyball, water polo and beach volleyball, even though they are not conference-mandated

Elliott emphasized that all sports are being treated as equally important in terms of visibility and storytelling.

The addition of the Mountain West’s upcoming streaming platform further expands that reach:

• Fans statewide will see increased access on TV
• Fans on the continent will gain consistent digital access
• Nearly all home events — plus most conference road games — will be available in one ecosystem

Why This Matters for UH

For UH, this isn’t just a media deal — it’s a program-building tool.

Increased exposure:

• Helps recruiting by showcasing programs to a wider audience
• Strengthens fan engagement both locally and nationally
• Creates new revenue opportunities tied to subscriptions and viewership

Elliott noted that when combined, linear television + streaming + in-house production will create a level of visibility UH athletics has never had before.

Basketball Updates: Stability Secured & Transition Underway

Since the interview aired, the biggest development on the men’s side has moved from expectation to near completion.

University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director Matt Elliott announced an agreement in principle on a contract extension for head coach Eran Ganot, with both sides working to finalize the formal deal in the near future.

The announcement reinforces what Elliott shared during the interview — that Ganot is firmly part of UH’s long-term plans.

Meanwhile, the search for a new women’s basketball head coach is progressing quickly following Laura Beeman’s retirement. Elliott revealed that more than 50 applicants have expressed interest, reflecting the program’s strong reputation and appeal.

Formal interviews are set to begin soon, with finalists expected to emerge in the coming days.

Giving Day & Supporting the Community

Closing out the conversation, Elliott encouraged fans to participate in UH’s upcoming Giving Day — a university-wide initiative supporting various programs and community needs.

He emphasized that while athletics benefits from the support, the broader goal is to uplift the entire Hawai‘i community, especially in the wake of recent natural disasters.

A Program Moving Forward — The Right Way

As UH athletics navigates conference changes, media deals, NIL developments, and coaching transitions, Elliott reiterated a consistent message: progress takes time, but the focus remains on building a sustainable future.

Through it all, the priority is clear — serve student-athletes, represent Hawai‘i with pride, and continue growing the reach and impact of UH athletics both on and off the field.