Penfield
a.k.a PencilForest
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
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That UConn's ESPN connection might actually help them with Big 12 expansion
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C. Austin Cox @C_Austin_Cox 2m2 minutes ago
Big 12 prefers four over two. Can confirm through three different sources and it was discussed earlier this evening. Looking at 14.
He is the guy that was firm on expansion happening when everyone else was saying no expansion.
It is believed all the candidates have been made to sign a sort of confidentiality agreement with the Big 12 regarding the process. However, a source at one of those 18 said the belief is the Big 12 will make a "cut" of the 18 candidates by the end of the month.
That would be followed by a more detailed interview with the Big 12 at a neutral site
"My understanding is everybody who has expressed interest is going to get a call [from the Big 12]," a source at one expansion hopeful said.
While the outside world is speculating on which and how many schools will join, there continues to be chatter the league may stay with 10 members.
"I think that's possible," said one person closely involved in the process.
Another source at a Big 12 school said expansion at this point is "a long putt."
Colleague Jon Solomon pointed out a while ago what has now become a speculative conversation piece within the league. ESPN/Fox could pay the Big 12 not to expand. Any number less than the pro rata amount the rights holders would be contractually bound to pay in expansion would be a net savings.
The point is that everything is still on the table. Lawyers? Confidentiality agreements? In these dog days of summer, bark away. Any expansion speculation can't be wrong.
"At this point, I don't know here the hell everything is." said a source at a Big 12 school.
Check this out. Wow! Berry Tramel article just posted.
Tramel: Why UConn should join BYU as Big 12's best expansion candidates
#HorseTradingIndustry sources familiar with the process consistently say Houston is one of three schools best positioned, along with Cincinnati and BYU. The Big 12 could expand by two -- currently the most likely option -- or add four schools or stand pat. Eight votes from the 10 Big 12 presidents are needed.