BearSD said:
sosheezy said:
BearSD said:
sosheezy said:
BearSD said:
BigDaddy said:
Might be something, but keep in mind that McMurphy is a graduate of a Big 12 school (Oklahoma State) and is motivated to spread negative intel about the Pac-12, whether or not it's significant or accurate.
He might have better intel on Big12 stuff, but he's been very straightforward on his reporting re: Pac 12. When the circumstances look bleak or limited, they just are, it isn't spin. He was the first to break the idea that Big 10 was possibly considering Cal as part of bigger westward expansion back when that was being discussed several months ago, when many online wouldn't even mention Cal.
(1) Suggesting that the Big Ten was considering further expansion is arguably meant to destabilize the Pac-12, even if he's suggesting Cal was considered.
(2) It seems like the Big Ten is, in fact, not considering further expansion at this time.
(3) So... his sources aren't worth much, or his sources were just speculating instead of providing accurate information, or he is "wishcasting", i.e. writing things that might lead to what he wants to happen.
I would suggest (as it was reported I think by Dennis Dodd and Pete Prisco too eventually) that the reporting merely reflected the scuttlebutt and discussion at the time, which I believe was late summer/early fall, when the previous Big Ten Commissioner seemed to be talking more aggressively about more expansion. It is true that now, it does not appear the Big Ten is considering it - that doesn't mean that some sources/decision makers weren't discussing it previously, and also clearly the Big Ten was divided on the matter, with the no votes overriding. But clearly some sources were advocating for it or at least consideration of it. The idea of these national reporters as agents of the Big 12, I just don't see it. The Pac 12 keeps stepping on a rake, that's the story, until we get a deal.
I didn't say "agents". "Fans" is a better way of putting it. McMurphy is a fan who just happens to have a sportswriter's resume, but he's still acting like a fan of his team.
I listened to McMurphy on the SMU podcast. He is tied in heavily with the Big 12 and acknowledged that. But I will say there is very little positive news coming forward regarding P12 media rights. Literally daily we see news that paints the picture of a conference and Commissioner that is trying to put a positive spin on what is not a strong looking negotiation.
Just today we hear that CBS and TNT/Turner have dropped out of the picture. That Amazon wants just 1 game per weekend. That ESPN is only interested in the late window of games. If true, none of that is good news. And then this. tOSU cancels its home and home games for 24 and 25 with UW. Why do that? tOSU says it is for scheduling purposes. That the schedule of games for 2025 is too daunting and they want a home game rather than come to Seattle to play what will likely be a good UW team. Could just as easily be a signal that UW may in fact end up in the B1G sooner rather than later.
McMurphy may be a fan of Big12 sports. But that does not mean he is wrong in his assertions. He does have sources. I wish I could see how the P12 ends up with a good media rights deal. There is so much out there that does not paint it in a positive light.
I do not know how much of what is rumored or mentioned by various media folks is truth and what is fiction. What we do know is that there is no deal. That there are some schools that are not happy with the progress or lack thereof. And a near universal declaration from the media that the P12 is not in a good position here.
I still believe that B1G expansion is not necessarily done for this media rights cycle. That some additions could still occur. The Big 12 has made western expansion something they would welcome. There was a time that I fully believed Cal was either headed to the B1G or the P12 was going to get a very good media rights deal. I no longer feel anywhere as strong regarding either.
SDSU and SMU are not the sort of programs that a strong league looks to add. Sorry they just aren't. Both are fine schools in their own right, but really adding them to the P12 brings "value"? I know the SoCal market. The market that USC and UCLA will still reside in and playing annual games against Michigan, tOSU, Penn St etc.
This media rights deal looks bleak to me right now. I did not feel that way even just 1 month ago. But the meeting at ASU just 2 weeks ago, the subsequent meeting with SMU in Dallas and then the awkward message on Monday regarding conference unity and confidence that sent the opposite message to many, has me very concerned.
We hear that the media deal could linger until end of March or mid April. That does not sound good to me. Hopefully all the media types are wrong and Kliavkoff delivers a media package that gives every school the ober $40M he suggested months back. Not holding my breath.