Conference Shakeup Imminent

The college conference shuffle continues.

Last week Nebraska officially became a member of the Big Ten and will begin play in the 2011 season. This is the first of many more changes to drive in more revenue and to promote the Big Ten product. Teams will soon make nearly $17 million a year just from the Big Ten Network that will gain a Nebraska presence. The Big Ten now contains 4 of the top 6 football programs. It’s time to focus on basketball.

With the addition of one team, the Big Ten will consist of 12 teams–enough for a championship game. A championship game is important on multiple levels. The most obvious being revenue. Another game and broadcast translates into millions for teams to share. This change will also allow top teams in the conference to play into December rather than having over a month off between their last game and a bowl game. While it doesn’t seem like much–the change may also help generate more wins in the postseason.

Two locations are ideal for a Big Ten Championship–Lucas Oil Stadium and Detroit’s Ford Field. These facilities are new, top of the line and conveniently located. One published report indicates that the game could generate over $10 million dollars to the city.

Conference chaos remains in its early stages. Advancements will be come within 12 months for the 2011 season gets underway.

Notre Dame sits in the driver seat with the Big Ten waiting with opening arms. Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick has been vigilant with the conference shakeup but insists the Irish wish to remain independent. Notre Dame could earn up over $15 million more from the Big Ten Network. Though they continue to pass on opportunities to join the Big Ten, within a few years the move is bound to happen.

Meanwhile the Big 12 is being salvaged by a TV deal proposed by commissioner Dan Beebe. Initially after Nebraska and Colorado darted from the Big 12, the future of the conference was in doubt. Six teams were discussing the possibility to join the Pac-10 to make the first “power” conference totaling 16 teams.

The deal will keep the Big 12’s current 10 members in tact. Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma would all earn at least $20 million per year with the proposed contract. The other seven schools would earn around $15 million per year, which is nearly double what they currently receive.

Texas earns between $3 and $4 million from their own Texas television network. Unlike the Big Ten, the Big 12 unequal revenue sharing means more money for the those top three schools. This however is a huge success for Dan Beebe and staff who are able to save the conference down the stretch.

Conference realignment is bound to happen…and we are just getting started.