Big 12 meetings importance can't be understated

After a couple of weeks of quiet time it’s getting down to the nitty gritty for the Big 12 conference.  Just a couple of weeks ago rumors and speculation had the Big 12 crumbling from a raid by the Big Ten with Missouri and Nebraska possibly headed to the Big Ten and speculation that Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney was even after Texas.

While Delaney indicated the league was sticking to its timetable of 12 to 18 months before a decision would be made, the Big 12 has been scurrying around trying to figure out what their next move will be.

With the conference’s annual meetings being held in Kansas City this week, you can expect a lot of talk and maybe some action.  Commissioner Don Bebe says it’s time for the conference and their member schools to have a frank discussion about who’s in and who’s out.  It’s kind of like your girl friend asking you just how committed you are to the relationship.  Just what kind of answer Bebe gets from some members remains to be seen.

This is a money issue and Bebe says the league is looking hard at how they can beef up TV revenues and get all of their football games on television.  He points to the ACC’s recent deal with ESPN for a reported 12 years and over $1.8 billion dollars as a good sign for the Big 12 since that deal was done in a down economy.  But it’s how the Big 12 splits their money and how they can elevate each schools earnings by 10 to 15 million a year that will be the big question.

If they can’t, there’s no question schools will leave for greener pastures if given the opportunity.  While each school is planning a what if scenario for how they can best take care of themselves if the league collapses, much of what happens depends on what the Big Ten decides to do and when they do it.

The Big 12 could unite with the Pac 10, but those discussions are in the infant stage.  After a week of meetings in Kansas City, that conversation could quickly heat up.  One thing is certain.  Monumental change is coming to the college conference structure.  Just how and when it happens remains to be seen.