Quote:
Originally Posted by Saul Good
Of course it's up to those schools. If Fox stipulates that all Big 12 schools have to do "x", and "x" is a deal-breaker for those schools, they can choose not to join the Big 12.
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Correct, but that really wasn't your scenario. In your scenario, the ACC is basically falling apart, it would not be unreasonable to assume ESPN would revisit the value of that contract if the schools you mentioned left. Those schools that have value NEED a new partner to ensure competitive strength. One thing doesn't happen in a vacuum.
FOX is the main force behind this. They are the ones not in the SE market, so the value is there for them. If they are willing to pony up more cash and alter the deal, that's what drives everything, otherwise the incentive for the B12 to expand is not there.
The GoR is not going to be the deal breaker in this scenario. Three of the four major conferences have GoRs, its not like it is some unknown entity. The B12 negotiates with prospective new members, but the B12 itself is guided by the networks as to what maximizes their potential contract. Its not rocket science.