I'll take a shot

Posted on: August 2, 2016 at 13:04:42 CT

Not all things are the same. IMO, the big rub is that the networks are contractually obligated to increase the contracts on a pro rata basis if the league expands, regardless of how bad the the school is or how bad the effect would be on the contract (think Houston). But even that might be okay if the networks didn't see this as a money grab for additional cash for existing Big 12 members. If Houston is added, the Big 12 will offer them reduced payouts for at least a few years. The difference between full payouts and partial payouts for up to four teams is probably in the 50 million dollar range PER YEAR. This would go as extra cash payments into other team's pockets, in essence, paying existing Big 12 members more for giving the networks less.

Another issue is that it isn't just any school that can be added to the conference and not hurt network ad revenues. How does ESPN maximize ad revenue for Houston vs kansas?

Edited by JimD at 13:10:23 on 08/02/16