[aredd33]

What are the thoughts about the Texas/ESPN channel?

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

[LUconn]

I JUST came here to post this very article. It is the epitome of what is wrong with the relationship of ESPN with the NCAA and/or specific colleges. It now benefits ESPN for Texas to do as well as possible. That is dangerous to every other school. I wouldn't have a problem with it if there were viable ESPN competitors but as it is they are peerless.

The biggest example is ESPN's influence over bowl games since they air 90% of them. It now benefits them even more than it already might have to have Texas playing in the highest caliber game they can be in.

[Sly Fox]

Haters

I was disappointed that UT chose to go with the ESPN contract when they had the potential to make even more cash by keeping it in house. I have been in talks with UT for over a year to produce content for the network as well as to serve as talent. So I guess I selfishly have a different perspective than most of you.

[thepostman]

selfish or not I am unsure as to why they would chose this route if they go to something similar in house. I suppose they may feel its a smaller risk going with espn, but I agree with LUConn, its a slippery slop that espn/texas is going down but oh well

[ALUmnus]

I can see where there could be potential for conflict of interest with espn, but I think this is more espn trying to get into regional/local programming than anything. I don't see this really as national or global. It's basically going to be a pay channel, right? Only one football game a year, a few basketball games. Sure, it could grow into something else, but espn seems to be more of a facilitator than anything in this.

[Sly Fox]

The will be a 24-hour channel that will likely be offered as a premium channel outside of the region similar to the Big Ten Network. But like the Big Ten channel, it will feature a ton of live sports and specialized programming. UT has fought hard for the past 5 years or so to position itself to have its own channel to capitalize on its own content. Notre Dame's deal with NBC was only for half a dozen football games a year. This is going to be a channel that UT operates with ESPN producing and marketing it. That's where the big money originates. ESPN can use the weight of its strength to force this channel on cable/satellite/fiber systems as part of negotiations for the entire family of channels. It will likely be a basic channel in the Southwest region which will undoubtedly bump up rates for everyone.

UT had been negotiating with a number of different companies including FSN, Comcast & Time Warner before going with the ESPN deal. If you remember back this past summer during the crazy realignment period, this channel was a priority that UT fought for and the only reason the Big XII still exists. This conference is the only BCS league that has agreed to allow member institutions to start up their own networks. Realistically, I would expect only A&M and OU to have strong enough fanbases to make starting up networks a financially worthwhile endeavor. But UT is the biggest brand in college sports today and has a massive core fanbase region in Texas that is the fastest growing region in the nation (i.e. where else are jobs being created these days on a large basis?).

I have been in direct talks with the decision makers in Austin since the day after Big XII deal was announced. So I am on the radar for them to produce shows and to serve as talent for the network. Of course I am also working the same angles with the new Astros/Rockets network that those franchises are starting up here in Houston along with Comcast.

The days of broadcasting are nearly over (just ask anyone still trying to sell ads on network affiliates). The days of creating channels aimed at specific programming are upon us. And as the transmission models for how we receive our content begin to really change over the course of the next 2-3 years then there will come even more upheaval where networks like this one will be considered a strong player.

[PAmedic]

... But UT is the biggest brand in college sports today and has a massive core fanbase region in Texas that is the fastest growing region in the nation (i.e. where else are jobs being created these days on a large basis?)...

this was where I stopped reading

[Sly Fox]

Truth hurts, huh?

[From the class of 09]

So this goes ahead and accelerates the death clock for the Big 12.

[LUconn]

I was thinking that too, but on the other hand, Texas leaving kills the Big 12 and this keeps them happy. So maybe it saves it? So this move either ends the Superconference talk for a while or accelerates it. Helpful analysis, I know.

[Sly Fox]

This TV deal is the only thing that saved the league. Until the Pac-10 or B1G agrees to this concession, Texas isn't going anywhere.

[From the class of 09]

I guess what I see this deal doing is encouraging other teams to look elsewhere to play. It's not like all the other programs in the Big 12 are garbage OK, OK St., Mizz, A&M, & Kansas (because of the BBall) all have decent programs that in the right situation would be attractive to other conferences. If any of them are given a chance they will bolt as no one but Texas sees the Big 12 setup as fair.

I'm not saying what Texas is doing is bad for them...just bad for Dan Bebee in the long term

[PastorZack]

what TV deal????

There has been no TV deal with the Little 12. Only the 'assurance' that one will get done. OU,tu and that Aggies were guaranteed each '20 million' plus their share of the contract, after NU and CU bailed.

Now, supposedly, OU and tu said that they would give their 20 mill back, but A&M said that they are keeping it, due to the 'promises' of Dan Beebe.

Also, when will the NCAA take into recruiting advantages with this crap???? Only, the audacity of DeLoss and Red McCombs will they thumb their noses at the NCAA. I know for a fact that if my cable company tries to give A CENT of my money for the rights to this CRAPWORK, then I'm going elsewhere.

I HATE t.u. with all of my being. Sorry for the rant, but I HATE t.u

[Sly Fox]

It would be very easy for me to quote legendary Aggy Clayton Williams at this point but I will take the high road.

The network will be a gamechanger in major college football. But to what extent is yet to be determined.

[bravo269er]

I don't blame Texas one bit, because it gives them the ability to maximize their profits from the UT brand. It's a great recruiting tool that could have a impact with recruits who aren't from Texas or near it who may be on the fence. It's just smart business.

[PastorZack]

it's called UNFAIR recruiting practices....but the NCAA sees that it's t.u and will turn a blind eye to it. just like the oversigning in the SEC

[Sly Fox]

For the record, your first alma mater began pursuing this same concept the minute they decided to stay with the Big XII. But UT had been preparing for this for years so they just happen to be the first out front. I am more than willing to work for either university's network as long as their checks clear.

[PastorZack]

You would take off the burnt-orange shaded glasses for maroon-tinted ones????? Really, I have a scene from the movie Tombstone in my heard right about now, then.

[Sly Fox]

Outside of my Liberty red & navy, the primary tint of my glasses is generally green.



I've been to more Aggy sporting events than most A&M alumni. Sadly I can sing along with the Aggie War Hymn if pushed hard. I just prefer to use better judgement.

[PastorZack]

So, you're saying that you may have "Saw'ed 'em off" then??? Not even a self-respecting T-shirt sip fan would admit to that though. If I'm ever back in Tejas I'll look you up Sly and make sure we sing the "Spirit" at least once.

[Sly Fox]

Oh it was very entertaining to watch a crowd of Ags singing about sawing Varsity's horns off after beating the Lady Flames. Uh, they did realize UT wasn't paying them. Right? What a fixation built on jealousy.

[ToTheLeft]

"Tear the Buffalo line asunder, as down the field we thunder..."

I don't mind a fight song that takes a shot at your rival.