Football Big 12, ESPN deal not done ... yet

Mr. Laz · 07-23-2012, 11:06 AM

Posted on Mon, Jul. 23, 2012 11:39 AM

Big 12, ESPN deal not done
BY BLAIR KERKHOFF
The Kansas City Star

DALLAS -- Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby knows the conference’s new television contract with ESPN will be a great deal.

But it’s not a done deal.

In May, the league and ESPN reached a verbal agreement, according to media reports, for the league’s first-tier rights. That 13-year deal, along with an already signed contract with Fox for the Big 12’s second-tier rights, were to provide the conference with about $2.6 billion in revenue through 2025, or about $20 million annually per school.

But the details are still being hammered out.

“I would suggest to you that having two media companies (ESPN, Fox), 10 presidents, 10 general counels and 10 athletic directors, who generally speaking have editorial veto authority over the preparation of the documents, as a complex environment is the understatement of the year,” Bowlsby said.

But Bowlsby is optimistic a deal with soon be signed, which will include a 13-year grant-of-rights.

“It’s going to be unprecedented national exposure for our conference, and it will be remarkable in the breadth and depth of the reach that we will have in the course of the coming decade.”

And the money, that’s a good thing, too.

“With the revenue that is derived from a major media contract, we are headed for a period of stability,” Bowlsby said.

Bowlsby on other issues:

*Don’t expect expansion.

“I don’t know that we’d get two votes for moving to a larger number. How, having said that, expansion is on every conference’s list of discussion items. I don’t think we can ever afford not to think about it. But if the Big 12 had to vote on it today, we wouldn’t take any new members in.

“We believe it should be very difficult to get into this group of institutions. It should be the toughest fraternity in America to join, and only the people that have a chance to join it are those that bring something this very substantial.”

*Bowlsby surprised outgoing acting commissioner Chuck Neinas with an announcement. The Big 12 is naming its coach of the year award for him. It’s the first football award to have a namesake.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/07/23...#storylink=cpy

**Saul Good** · 07-23-2012, 11:11 AM

It's the toughest fraternity in America to leave.

LiveSteam · 07-23-2012, 11:14 AM

It should be the toughest fraternity in America to join.

Bambi · 07-23-2012, 11:15 AM

Can't beat em? Run.

**Old Dog** · 07-23-2012, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

It's the toughest fraternity in America to leave.

Clearly, you haven't been able to. Seemingly, every third post you seem to remind us how little you care.

**Saul Good** · 07-23-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Dog

Clearly, you haven't been able to. Seemingly, every third post you seem to remind us how little you care.

I haven't once said I don't care.

Bambi · 07-23-2012, 11:26 AM

MU fans do care about KU and the Big 12. They write letters to Bill Self.

kepp · 07-23-2012, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wickedson

MU fans do care about KU and the Big 12. They write letters to Bill Self.

We love you...we're just not "in love" with you anymore.

**alanm** · 07-23-2012, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kepp

We love you...we're just not "in love" with you anymore.

I still care what goes on the the Big 12. I'm cool with the Huskers being in the B1G. But it's going to take time to replace the rivalries we had.
And all because of Texas............

Mr. Plow · 07-23-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanm

I still care what goes on the the Big 12. I'm cool with the Huskers being in the B1G. But it's going to take time to replace the rivalries we had.
And all because of Texas............

That didn't take long.

Let's forget about all the other teams involved and just focus on Texas.

okcchief · 07-23-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

That didn't take long.

Let's forget about all the other teams involved and just focus on Texas.

It's no secret Texas runs the conference. OU bows down like a little bitch to them. I respect the schools that left for not taking their shit. Even though Mizzou and A&M have committed football suicide.

Dayze · 07-23-2012, 12:17 PM

they have?

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-23-2012, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okcchief

It's no secret Texas runs the conference. OU bows down like a little bitch to them. I respect the schools that left for not taking their shit. Even though Mizzou and A&M have committed football suicide.

I was with you till the end man

Mr. Plow · 07-23-2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okcchief

It's no secret Texas runs the conference. OU bows down like a little bitch to them. I respect the schools that left for not taking their shit. Even though Mizzou and A&M have committed football suicide.

I've said it before.... sure, the most powerful football schools - those that spend the most money & make the most money - will always have more "say so" than those that don't. Regardless of conference.

And you're last line about MU & A&M is waaaay off.

**Saul Good** · 07-23-2012, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

I've said it before.... sure, the most powerful football schools - those that spend the most money & make the most money - will always have more "say so" than those that don't. Regardless of conference.

And you're last line about MU & A&M is waaaay off.

It's a little more complicated than that.

How viable are your options?

How willing are you to exercise them?

How big of a negative impact would exercising your options have on the rest of the conference?

For Texas, the answers are "very", "very", and "very". At least, that seems to be the perception. Thus, they have a ton of sway.

07-23-2012, 11:06 AM
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Big 12, ESPN deal not done ... yet Posted on Mon, Jul. 23, 2012 11:39 AM Big 12, ESPN deal not done BY BLAIR KERKHOFF The Kansas City Star DALLAS -- Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby knows the conference’s new television contract with ESPN will be a great deal. But it’s not a done deal. In May, the league and ESPN reached a verbal agreement, according to media reports, for the league’s first-tier rights. That 13-year deal, along with an already signed contract with Fox for the Big 12’s second-tier rights, were to provide the conference with about $2.6 billion in revenue through 2025, or about $20 million annually per school. But the details are still being hammered out. “I would suggest to you that having two media companies (ESPN, Fox), 10 presidents, 10 general counels and 10 athletic directors, who generally speaking have editorial veto authority over the preparation of the documents, as a complex environment is the understatement of the year,” Bowlsby said. But Bowlsby is optimistic a deal with soon be signed, which will include a 13-year grant-of-rights. “It’s going to be unprecedented national exposure for our conference, and it will be remarkable in the breadth and depth of the reach that we will have in the course of the coming decade.” And the money, that’s a good thing, too. “With the revenue that is derived from a major media contract, we are headed for a period of stability,” Bowlsby said. Bowlsby on other issues: Don’t expect expansion. “I don’t know that we’d get two votes for moving to a larger number. How, having said that, expansion is on every conference’s list of discussion items. I don’t think we can ever afford not to think about it. But if the Big 12 had to vote on it today, we wouldn’t take any new members in. “We believe it should be very difficult to get into this group of institutions. It should be the toughest fraternity in America to join, and only the people that have a chance to join it are those that bring something this very substantial.” Bowlsby surprised outgoing acting commissioner Chuck Neinas with an announcement. The Big 12 is naming its coach of the year award for him. It’s the first football award to have a namesake. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/07/23...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 95,626

07-23-2012, 11:11 AM	#2
Saul Good Quit your bullshit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bored of winning Casino cash: $10052799	It's the toughest fraternity in America to leave. __________________ Today is not a good day to be a pussy.
Posts: 41,870

07-23-2012, 11:14 AM	#3
LiveSteam The Constitutional Choo choo Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: homeof43conferencetitles Casino cash: $1965432	It should be the toughest fraternity in America to join.
Posts: 44,311

07-23-2012, 11:15 AM	#4
Bambi Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York City Casino cash: $10036993	Can't beat em? Run.
Posts: 17,810

07-23-2012, 11:26 AM	#7
Bambi Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York City Casino cash: $10036993	MU fans do care about KU and the Big 12. They write letters to Bill Self.
Posts: 17,810

07-23-2012, 12:17 PM	#12
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $4969358	they have?
Posts: 37,374