The Longhorn Network is killing the Big 12

[Whiskey]

ESPN is saying this is all on hold because Baylor withdrew their consent, and are no longer agreeing not to sue the SEC for contractual interference.

[sooner82]

Originally Posted by lipman

I have read that the invite is contingent on all the Big 12 schools signing off NOT to sue the SEC. I would guess that it comes down to Baylor, KSU, and Iowa St. The Big 12 itself has already agreed not to sue.

There are also fun internet rumors on message boards (so you know they must be true!) that the Big 10 would take Texas with the LHN. They would split 1st and 2nd tier rights equally (along with bowl games) and Texas would get the LHN revenues while the other teams split the BTN revenues. While I understand the general idea behind that (even though Texas would have their own network, getting Texas would make the BTN much more attractive to Texas cable), I don't think that works. You can't have a conference like the Big 10 built on equality and have 1 guy who doesn't have to play by the same rules.

How pissed off would nebraska fans be if Texas showed up in their division with the LHN? Baylor is the only school threatening to sue and I don't think they have much to stand on. What are they going to do if OU and OSU move? I think all schools are too far gone to have Baylor of all schools block them from going. They have always been a mid major in a BCS conference. Its time for them to go to where they belong.

[dlwktb]

I actually feel pretty bad for Baylor. They finally have a pretty good football team and it's going to have the shadow of impending conference doom hanging over it.

[Ginormous76]

Originally Posted by sooner82

I don't get the ACC talk. Why would those teams agree to the LHN in its current form?

Because, IMO, the ACC isn't as "feared" as it used to be. They could use Texas to bolster their conference, and it wouldn't be terrible for them to have the LHN.

Originally Posted by lipman

I have read that the invite is contingent on all the Big 12 schools signing off NOT to sue the SEC. I would guess that it comes down to Baylor, KSU, and Iowa St. The Big 12 itself has already agreed not to sue.

There are also fun internet rumors on message boards (so you know they must be true!) that the Big 10 would take Texas with the LHN. They would split 1st and 2nd tier rights equally (along with bowl games) and Texas would get the LHN revenues while the other teams split the BTN revenues. While I understand the general idea behind that (even though Texas would have their own network, getting Texas would make the BTN much more attractive to Texas cable), I don't think that works. You can't have a conference like the Big 10 built on equality and have 1 guy who doesn't have to play by the same rules.

Texas with the LHN would never be allowed in the Big Ten. Texas would have to show they are a team player, but UT would never do that.

Originally Posted by sooner82

How pissed off would nebraska fans be if Texas showed up in their division with the LHN? Baylor is the only school threatening to sue and I don't think they have much to stand on. What are they going to do if OU and OSU move? I think all schools are too far gone to have Baylor of all schools block them from going. They have always been a mid major in a BCS conference. Its time for them to go to where they belong.

They would be extremely pissed. Baylor will do what they can, but I don't think they can stop the Big 12 collapse.

[sooner82]

A&M Insider is reporting that Baylor is now standing down. That didn't take long.

[tommie frazier]

so, if baylor is concerned, there is a savvy person there realizing they can get a fat payment. from their perspective, if the big 12 stays together and remains a bcs league, then baylor has a future stream of bcs money coming in. if they are relegated to C-usa or similar then that money can go away. so yeah they'd sue.

no way texas is tolerated in B10 with LHN, no way they just give it up. but it speaks to the mess the big 12 is in that they were allowed to get it, and it underscores why others with options would want to get away from a conference that eager to please the one school.

[figure 8]

Any chances that Texas would go independent? Seems like that could possibly be a not bad option, although I haven't really thought about it much.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I think the only way Texas goes independent is if the rest of the Big 12-4 kick it out. Then the negotiations begin.
Or, "Now, viceroy, we'll discuss a new treaty."

[sooner82]

Them going independent depends on how much they want the LHN. If they want to go to another BCS conference, at the very least they'll have to agree to share the revenue. The Big12 let them have their cake and eat it too. But since the big12 days seem to numbered, they'll have to make a decision quickly.

[greenman]

Just a bit of trivia, but Baylor's President is Ken Starr (yes, that Ken Starr).