Topic: ABC/ESPN wanting to move up negotiations

[Cynical Puppet]

http://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/texas-best-served-by-remaining-in-big-12-2058838.html

Texas will make between $19 million and $20 million from Big 12 revenue distribution this year, and ABC-ESPN has informed the league it'd like to move up their negotiations. "They want to talk early," Dodds said.

A short interview with OU's David Boren who suggests Louisville may be next to come into the Big 12.
http://www.news9.com/story/16050283/news-9s-dean-blevins-goes-one-on-one-with-ou-president

[TxCoUnTrYbOy]

Maybe they realized they will be overpaying with A&M and Missouri leaving?

[Cynical Puppet]

Maybe they realized they will be overpaying with A&M and Missouri leaving?

no clue

[LynchMob42]

I think they can get something cheaper now, than in a few years when there are again 12 teams.

[Cynical Puppet]

I think they can get something cheaper now, than in a few years when there are again 12 teams.

Possibly, but I bet the Big 12 puts a clause in there for adding 2 more teams...

[longhorn99]

I think it should be mo money coming sooner for the Big 12 teams. I thought the current 1st-tier contract ran for some time, so maybe raises are on the horizon.

[Cynical Puppet]

yeah, it was suppose to be negotiated in 2016. This would be a 4 year pushup.

I keep thinking about when ESPN/Fox and all the others came to Beebe and the school ADs and promised all this money to the Big 12 if they would stick it out...I wonder if this is just ESPN trying to jump the gun and get it over with? I wonder if the LHN is a part of their plan, somehow.

[Blackshirts]

ESPN does not do this to give you more money, that would make no business sense

[longhorn99]

Why not? It could stabilize an asset for them, pay fair market value to allow for a healthy long term relationship. Why do you think it makes not business sense? Are you thinking revenue - expenses = profit?

[Blackshirts]

Because you have a low price locked in for 4 years and the first chance to negotiate, why move now, you can move in 2-3 years and save millions

[longhorn99]

But you don't have the teams locked in. It's also about keeping the conference intact. It depends upon what's worth more to ESPN, short-term savings or long-term investments. But I see your point.

[Blackshirts]

But you don't have the teams locked in.

That is kind of the point, you have traded Colorado, Nebraska, Texas A&M and Missouri for West Virginia and TCU.

The conference is fairly stable right now and I don't see anyone moving anytime soon, exp. with the new Big 10/Pac 12 agreement that I think will lock those two conferences in for the time being.

[Cynical Puppet]

ESPN does not do this to give you more money, that would make no business sense

I admit that anytime ESPN does/says anything I become suspicious of their motives.

[architechguy]

Fair market value is relative, it fluctuates every day.  I agree with Blackshirts, ESPN wants to economize their deals by paying fair market for 10 teams for the time being, then if/when we expand they'll renegotiate.

Bear in mind though, that could still translate to a pay raise for the Big 12.  They could pay the Big 12 more and it still be a bargain for ESPN.

[longhorn99]

ESPN may give a smaller raise and extend the contract, it's possible. However the value of live programming especially sports is going up due to the increasing use of DVRs and streaming. So it sucks if Big 12 has to wait for 4 years to cash in. I think if they negotiate early, it' a good thing for Big 12.

[thedrUNKenLoper]

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/26/3394103/neinas-criticizes-mizzou-for-not.html

Put this here since it has a little to do with TV money

[architechguy]

Interesting article.  Can't disagree with the comments about Mizzou being selfish, but they're no worse than anybody else.  The way the system works, if you're not being selfish then you're getting left behind.