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Originally Posted by eazyb81
We can argue all day about it, but the facts are that LHN is viewed as a major problem by some schools and so far Texas is unwilling to make a change for the good of the conference. If it really is no big deal, as UT will always get the recruits they want and will make more money than God, then why can't they make a concession for the good of the conference?
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Because they don't view the LHN as an athletics only venue. Sure, that's the part that gets all the initial attraction, but they use that channel to promote their educational and cultural aspects as well. Much of that money goes to the academic costs, not the athletics ones.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eazyb81
To address the LHN problem, it seems clear a Big 12 Network needs to be a solution. A Big 12 Network without Texas is worthless, so getting them into the fold is mandatory. A potential solution I have thought about would be folding LHN into a legit Big 12 Network, but with UT getting a floor on revenue that is no less than the current LHN arrangement ($15MM per year) and the upside as every other team; so once total network revenue in a 10-team league exceeded $150MM per year, each school would get an equal payout.
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There is no way that is going to happen, highlighted by the reasons I just pointed out above. Its not just an athletics channel to UT. By saying such a network is "worthless" without UT, I think, is very demeaning to the rest of the field. They have trouble selling that network as it is. I bet if the Texas cable companies sold the Big XII and LHN as some sort of package, most Texans would buy both.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eazyb81
UT could do this and still save face (which is clearly important for them), as there is no chance they will lose money. The Big 12 could save face by arguing this special arrangement makes sense as UT provided initial funding to get LHN off the ground.
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If it was about money, they would have joined the PAC. That system, even without Texas, is projected to make more than Texas will on their own. This isn't about money to Texas, its about what Texas values in the LHN. To me, it looks like everyone was fine with the revenue system for 3rd Tier until Texas showed how much they were worth on their own. All of a sudden, everyone got nervous about their place with feelings of inadequacy.
The sooner we stop focusing on the LHN, the sooner everyone will realize the original mole hill we made into a mountain.