BTN and the strategy Delaney used was a great way to capitalize on the conference’s viewership. But in the end, the Big 10 has huge schools with great viewership. Ohio State is a ratings monster. Michigan, PSU and Wisconsin get huge numbers.
Realignment Megathread (All The Moves)
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Pretty much this. BYU would have been in the Pac 12 long before Utah ever was if it wasn't for Cal and Stanford. Hell - perhaps Boise St, Fresno St, and UNLV as well. But Cal and Stanford nixed any idea of it not for financial reasons, but because of quite literal snobbery. It's not even financial - those schools could cover their own share in a TV contract and Cal and Stanford still wouldn't let them in.
Basically, the Pac 12 commissioner ****-talking the Big 12 over the last couple of weeks is just him being a mouthpiece for Cal's and Stanford's statements. Further, the hesitation of the corner schools to come to the Big 12 is because the administration of those schools have bought into Cal's and Stanford's bull****, that they're somehow above the Big 12.
I wouldn't want Cal in the conference even if they brought viewers. They'd be even more cancerous than Texas is. Fortunately they have no interest in coming, so nobody even has to make the tough decision of trying to balance the pros with the cons of them coming over.
What do you think is valuable about Cal?
My problem with Cal is they are in the #6 media market in the country. And only managed to be 76th in average viewership last year. With only 3 P5 schools behind them Syracuse, BC, and Duke. That is Terrible. And their attendance is not much better.
For a P5 program even in a down year, with as big of an alumni base as Cal, in that huge of a media market. That is pathetic, and there is no reason to believe that improves much just because they join the Big 12.
I could care less how much they do not like certain cultures around the country, It is not my issue with them, I find that a weird metric, its not like Im going to attend Cal, so why do I care about their culture or beliefs.
I don’t think it’s that. I think everyone is individually analyzing each PAC 12 school and whether we want them or not. Cal feels like a school we don’t want because they aren’t worth much, and they don’t want us because they think they are better than the Big 12 schools. Doesn’t bother me, but I am slightly intrigued to see where each school will land.
I think some would find it funny if a school that thinks it’s worth a lot found it wasn’t wanted by anyone. I don’t particularly feel that way, but I understand why I suppose.
If you don't think its Cal or Stanford who's the reported hard to deal with Pac 12 school who exactly do you think it is? Our own insiders have said as much as to why the Arizonas were rumored to want out among a number of other reasons. The high academics talking point still exists there too even though UCLA and USC are gone and dont care anymore. So it's someone still there.
I dont think people accusing Cal, the school who has athletics but doesnt care if they're good or not, is a leap thats that far.
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The TLDR version:
B1G is currently evaluating Oregon/WA/Stanford/Cal
If B1G passes, than we get those four + the corners.
If B1G takes them, we still get the corners.
He spoke pretty confidently that
1. There is no way/no how the PAC survives.
2. CBS may be willing to over pay for an expanded and rebranded Big 12 (they’re in danger of being shut out of the SEC/B1G).
He went on to surmise, after speaking with industry sources, that the new look Big 12 could be playing Thur/Fri/Sat after dark games.
He sounded pretty confident in all this, and that we’ll probably learn about the next expansion moves within about a month.
Regarding the rebranding issue, I'd be very surprised if we don't rebrand after adding 8-10 schools to the 8 holdover schools. While I kind of hate to see the Big 12 tradition disappear, it's not like the current brand is highly respected across the nation.
The idea of CBS broadcasting a primetime Big 12 game each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night is pretty radical, but I think I like it.
Just a quick Note. Michael Crow, the president at Arizona State, is an Iowa State alum. There is some other history with him. I think he worked at ISU in the late 1980's and early 1990's. He has received a distinguished alumnus award from ISU.
Already mentioned and rumors are he despises the B12 and would MUCH rather affiliate with the "prestige" of the PAC.
Seeing Cal and Stanford get stuck in the MWC would be amazing.
UCLA was hurting badly financially before they left for the BIG. I'm pretty sure they are okay with the financial life preserver.
Cal maybe, but I am starting to think that Stanford will be partnered with ND into the B10, leaving Oregon and Washington to the B12.
If the B10 wanted Oregon and Washington they would have already been offered a spot, they want ND, Stanford and a couple of the ACC teams like UNC and UVA. That would put them at 20 teams. The question then becomes does Cal swallow hard and back off and accept the invite to the B12 or do they drop down their sports teams, and start saying they are an Academic Institution?
Arizona has been semi public about wanting to join the Big 12. We want them and they want is...
Why can't we just formally give them the invite this morning and kill off the Pac-10 for good?
Why can't we just formally give them the invite this morning and kill off the Pac-10 for good?
I always find it funny though. The same kind of mismanagement that put them in a hole will ensure theyre still in similar holes after getting the money boost.
Just like how those who play the lottery all the time and generally aren't all that smart financially often end up bankrupt even after winning millions.
And now appears to believe we are beneath ASU and the PAC schools.
I think B1G wants Cal, Stanford, and UW, but not UO. They are trying to get ND to make 4. But ND is the struggle, thus the delay.
If they CAN'T get ND no matter what, then idk if they would go for 2 of the 3, or just take no action for now. Probably take no action.
The Pac12 will have an option to stick together if nothing happens. It may not be financially great, and there will be the ongoing risk B1G takes teams, but it will be an option.
That option benefits Oregon State, Washington State, and then any team with one foot out the door.
I think the Mountain schools would be foolish to take that option because all they're doing is reducing their leverage, increasing their risk of being left out, and they'll probably get paid less than if they joined the Big 12 anyway.
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Haven't they already said that based on their recent athletic performance? I think they would complain the least if they drop down a level. Oregon State and Washington State, godspeed.