ESPN partnering with University of Texas on a 24 hour sports network

[Da Coach]

ESPN is getting into the business of developing TV sports networks for individual schools. They are developing a 24-hour a day full time All Texas sports network-

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6037857

ESPN will help develop, launch and operate the network. It will also handle distribution of the network, which is unnamed as of now. The deal is worth $300 million over 20 years. The network will launch in September.

Can we get a 24 hour Bradley network?

[Future Walk-On]

Some friends and I were talking about how Texas brings in more money than any other school sides Notre Dame.....probably true with this

[BuBraves55]

And collegiate athletes still aren't paid? It's about time wouldn't you say.

[Majik45]

And the reason why the Big 12 probably won't last much longer. Glad my Huskers jumped ship when they did.

[TylerDurden]

And the reason why the Big 12 probably won't last much longer. Glad my Huskers jumped ship when they did.

^^^this.

This is not good news for a potential Big 12 TV deal. In fact Majik is correct, this sort of thing could end the Big 12.

[TheAsianSensation]

I'm giving them 2.5 years before the Big 12 blows up.

[2bradleyfans]

When said blowing up happens. What programs would the Big Ten be interested in obtaining?
Oklahoma? Mizzou?

[TheAsianSensation]

When said blowing up happens. What programs would the Big Ten be interested in obtaining?
Oklahoma? Mizzou?

The obvious answer is Texas, and if they can get A&M, Oklahoma, and Missouri as a package deal with them, that's their dream world.

Any Big 10 expansion would be from 12 to 16 at this point, so Texas would be a must. Of course, good luck convincing Texas to give up their TV deal.

[squirrelgotdead]

Missouri, unless they would still take Texas, and that's it.

However, it will be interesting now to see the fight between the Big East, CUSA and MWC for the scraps.

Just shooting from the hip...

Kansas to the Big East (travel partner for TCU)
Kansas State and Baylor to the MWC
Texas A&M to the SEC

The Oklahomas go as a pair somewhere...Pac 10 or SEC?

Iowa State...don't see the MWC interested, so no other real option besides CUSA or the MAC. The MAC is interesting though now because UMass is said to be prepared to announce officially their move to FBS and the MAC in the coming weeks.

[houstontxbrave]

This has been discussed all day here in Houston on the talk radio.

This deal pretty much will end the Big 12(10).

TX A&M and OU are not in the least pleased about this, mostly because of the HUGE recruiting advantage this gives Texas but also essentially how Texas is not giving a rats A about the rest of their conference.

Speculation is A&M will go to the SEC, with OU following closely.

Texas going independent and hoping to hold on to the rivalries with the above.

Tech and OSU trying like heck to get into either the SEC or Pac 10

Everyone else well good luck.

This is great for Texas but I am very surprised this was allowed to go with the NCAA or atleast the other BCS schools. Unless this type of thing is going to be the new trend.

[jrish12]

Would the Big 10(12) consider taking Mizzou and Kansas? That would keep that rivalry in tact, and although Kansas's football program isnt very good now, they have the potential to grow with Turner Gill at the helm. That would also make the Big 10 hands down the toughest basketball conference in the country if you added those 2 programs. I know football rules all in these decisions, but Kansas in the Big 10 for basketball would be pretty amazing if you ask me.

[TheAsianSensation]

It wouldn't surprise me if A&M made a move immediately. It seems apparent the SEC is willing to take them; it's a matter of finding a dance partner for A&M at this point.

This is dangerous territory. The first team to lose their rights to broadcast a football game or basketball game because Texas has exclusivity on it on its network is going to cause the first ripple. Fans will be not happy. Very not happy. At least all other TV deals (Mountain West network, Big 10 network, Notre Dame's NBC contract) allow for games to be available via a readily obtainable network. If this Texas network is only made available in Texas (which is sounds like it will), those Iowa St fans who could not be able to watch an Iowa St/Texas basketball game will not be happy.

[theBUer]

Would the Big 10(12) consider taking Mizzou and Kansas? .

No way. Both KU and Mizzou benefit from the fact they can recruit talent out of Texas easily on the fact that their games will be played down there. For football, they do not get the studs who will either go to Texas or OU. But they do they give a chance to guys like Todd Reesing or Chase Daniel.

Texas was the linchpin to keep the conference intact. Wouldn't be surprised if Iowa State goes to the MAC, and KU/KSU head to the Mountain West...

[houstontxbrave]

It wouldn't surprise me if A&M made a move immediately. It seems apparent the SEC is willing to take them; it's a matter of finding a dance partner for A&M at this point.

This is dangerous territory. The first team to lose their rights to broadcast a football game or basketball game because Texas has exclusivity on it on its network is going to cause the first ripple. Fans will be not happy. Very not happy. At least all other TV deals (Mountain West network, Big 10 network, Notre Dame's NBC contract) allow for games to be available via a readily obtainable network. If this Texas network is only made available in Texas (which is sounds like it will), those Iowa St fans who could not be able to watch an Iowa St/Texas basketball game will not be happy.

Right now Texas will show about 8 basketball games and 1 football game. Of course if they leave the conference and go independent they will likely show a lot more games on the network.

But they do intend to produce the telecasts from what the radio said with UT production and show many other sports that are not now on television.

Curious how this will on the cable. I know I have no interest in paying more for my cable to have to have this channel. Not sure if it will be a tier choice or a basic cable thing.

[jrish12]

Right now Texas will show about 8 basketball games and 1 football game. Of course if they leave the conference and go independent they will likely show a lot more games on the network.

But they do intend to produce the telecasts from what the radio said with UT production and show many other sports that are not now on television.

Curious how this will on the cable. I know I have no interest in paying more for my cable to have to have this channel. Not sure if it will be a tier choice or a basic cable thing.

I would think it would be a tier choice, the cable company has to get paid too .

Or it could be an "a la carte" channel that you can add for like $5 a month or whatever.