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Message: [QUOTE="j66kicker, post: 2293284, member: 4447"] Since its inception ESPN has been able to double-dip, enjoying cable subscription fees (including from millions of subscribers who don't even want it) AND advertising revenues (based on actual viewership). This has allowed them to "overpay" for live event programming - they could outbid rivals because, based on ESPN's business model, it WASN'T overpaying. The party lasted a long time and allowed them to build a powerful worldwide network which dominates sports programming. They have a huge presence in TV, radio, online, and even print media. Technology allowed them to scoop everyone and and technology is now bringing them back to reality and the need to compete on a level playing field. But they are left with a huge advantage - they invested those obscene profits to create the most robust multimedia sports reporting organization and most powerful sports media brand - [I]by[/I] [I]far[/I]- in the world. Disney will be reluctant to accept the more mundane results, and that's good - it will make them more creative in how to reinvent their future. ESPN has promoted and subsidized WBB for a long time, both college and pro. Where would WBB be without ESPN? [/QUOTE]