I think A&M's biggest problem with ESPNMoo (my new favorite name for it) is that it was in A&M's own backyard. They probably wouldn't be thrilled with ESPNChomp, but at least it wouldn't be a Texas thing.
No other conference is stupid enough to let a team get a network like the LHN. From what I understand Florida DOES have its own network, but it is just a tier 3 sports type network without a lot of influence. The Pac-10 told Texas they couldn't have their own network and that was a big part of Texas going back to the Big XII where they run the show. If Texas were to join the Pac12, they may be able to keep the network, but it would be turned into a regional network in the new Pac12 networks where revenue is shared equally, something that Texas obviously doesn't want to do. Pac12, SEC, and B1G all have equal revenue sharing, which means a LHN style network could never pop up in those conferences. Hence, A&M leaving for one of those conferences that have stability as a result.
I think the LHN is just the beginning. I'm pretty sure other major programs will have their own networks.
cause those schools aren't being courted by the SEC (with the possible exception of missouri). the rest are happy to be in an aq conference where they are making more money off tv deals than they would in other conferences where they would be welcome.
This was actually brought up by one of the radio stations here in town (can't remember which one). But I think that's a legit concern, school networks could easily become the next "wave," especially if the LHN works out.
They'd have to go independent or move to the Big 12 (lol) The SEC wont allow for it -- no conference in their right mind would, except the Big 12, because, again, they made a reactionary move... also there is an established SEC network that will grow and be even more profitable. Right now I believe only the Big 12 allows for indie-networks to exist within the conference, which is cool because teams like BYU can come, but stupid in every other regard. Texas big-dicked the Big 12 into reactionary measures. The Big 12 obliged to save itself. If the Big 12 disbands, its on UT. TAMU will just look like the bad guy. Again, the Pac-16 would have been great. Progressive and great.
They were looking into it, but again that is in the BigXII. I don't believe that the SEC, B1G, or Pac XII allow for a similar style of network. Doesn't mean that it wont change, but in conferences that have always gone by equal revenue sharing (i.e. the successful conferences and in pro sports, the NFL), a team specific network similar to the LHN would not fit in.
No its not. The dumb fans (most of them) are probably all gung ho, "bring it on" -- but yeah. It will become extremely difficult to compete unless TAMU becomes an absolute elite team. I'm taking Florida-level. Which isn't impossible, but it is highly unlikely. Again, the move isn't about thinking it can win the SEC, it's not about sticking it to Texas, its about money and the very real football potential the SEC can offer.
1. Right, I'm saying I wish it would have happened when UT was crying over it. Now TAMU tries to do what's best for itself and nobody will let them. Sheesh. 2. 3 big boys. TAMU gets more money too. But UT gets the network, unfair advantage to OU. 3. Of course not, UT is sitting pretty. Nobody questions that. They get to play Kansas, Baylor, UH, Iowa State, Kansas State, and get a BCS bid while sitting on cruise control. Gotta love the way college football works
why? i mean, i'd agree that it's stupid from the standpoint that only diehards will be watching most of the programming, but if you want to disallow this network because it gives an unfair advantage, then conferences need to start limiting other things that give much bigger advantages to schools. to me, using money that athletic programs earn on a television network isn't any different an advantage than schools that use the money on uber modern facilities that attract even more money (suites, better stadiums) or better athletes (dorms, workout facilities, etc.). while we're at it, why don't we just move ut to wichita falls so they don't have an advantage on locale either?
When UT asked for it and the Big 12 accommodated it, there were reports about no other BCS conference allowing for that. Not when they all already had or were planning conference networks of their own. I'm not the expert on this particular segment of the subject. I'm fairly certain a LHN could not exist in the SEC or Pac 16 though. Would a Pac 16 make revisions to land a program like Texas? Maybe... but from what I understand it cant work as things are currently drafted.
But not having other choices is not the same as being happy. They are stuck because they don't have better choices. But as we saw with Colorado, Nebraska, and A&M, as soon as the chance presents itself, schools will jump at it. No one wants to be in a conference whose policies and finances are dictated by one or two members. They'll accept it since it's better than their other options, but as conferences expand and teams get the chance to leave, you end up with more and more of those "take what you can get" teams in the Big12 conference. The dynamics are the same as in any other environment - it's human nature. People don't like jobs where their bosses are asses. But if they don't have a better option, they'll stick it out. But if they get a better job opportunity, they'll jump at it. Over time, talent collects at the companies that treat their employees well. You see the same thing in NCAA conferences.
Indie-networks will cannibalize the conference network and piss conference members off unless they build-in profit sharing. Would Mississippi State have room to complain? Nope. Would the TAMU-level teams -- Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn? Hell yes. That's why it is stupid.
It absolutely is. An indie-network within the SEC would hurt the SEC and the SEC isn't anchored by a 1-man horse like the Big 12. Again, the Big 12 was reactionary -- it accommodated UT (like a b****). There isn't a school in the SEC that's bigger than the SEC itself. The SEC stands on its own. It already prepared for the scenario. It already had a network in place, unlike the Big 12. LSU isn't going to let Bama get its own network. Checks and balances. UT runs its own watered down conference now, the SEC is the big boys table -- that's a fact no matter what conference TAMU is in.
