Follow the Money

ESPN has been pimping BYU pretty good the past year. First, they pick up BYU to play Oklahoma in Jerry's house. They pay them a paltry $1.5 mil in what was supposed to be a bodybag game for our Cougars. ESPN shelled out $4 mil for the 2 teams to play. If BYU is on an equal footing with OU, ie a member of the Big12, it stands to reason that BYU would be worth $2 mil per game that ESPN has rights to broadcast.



Second, ESPN proposes to BYU to pay them a per game rate of $1-2 mil per game for a limited package. Suppose BYU goes independent and for some crazy reason, they pull down about $8-10 mil for the 6 games at LES. That would be an average of about $1.5 mil per game, which foris what the mtn deal pays for 10 games and all other sports they have a right to broadcast. (If BYU were a business, the shareholders would revolt against the BOD for wasting a prime business opportunity.)

More importantly, however, BYU will have established its true market value and that it would be worth about $15 mil for the 10 games should it join the Big12. BYU will then have demonstrated that they are a BCS conference caliber team and would be able to hold their own financially in the Big12.



So wouldn't it be in BYU's best interest to step off the ledge and test their faith in their product that it is worth what ESPN is whispering to them as well as has demonstrated as recently as last season? Even if BYU gets only $4-5 mil for the football season, that's still 3 times more than what the mtn pays for all of BYU's sporting events.



Unless BYU gets concessions from the MWC and the mtn to allow independent broadcast rights at least for football, it's really a matter of economics to break free from the MWC.



Of course, I know there are pitfalls concerning the remaining sports and where they might play, but a temporary step down for a couple of seasons for BYU to show its economic drawing power would likely land all the sports in a much better conference, that being the Big12.



(and yes, it's late, my screen keeps dancing as I type so I can't really read what I've written, so if there are errors in my logic and writing, it's the errors of man and not of HOPE and I pray for your forgiveness.)

I dont' think the pitfalls concerning the remaining sports makes it palatable enough to pull the trigger, considering the fact that plan A (the Wac) has disintegrated.



But I dont' think this is really about money as much it is about exposure,for BYU, for BYUs recruiting and for the church. Like I mentioned before, there are donors that could make up the difference between what the MTN pays BYU and what BYU would like to run the athletic department. BYU is not hurting for cash to run our programs and keep our facilities world class. However, no single BYU booster or collection of boosters can do for our desire for exposure like ESPN can.



If the MWC gives into to even a decent fraction of BYUs demands for broadcasting independence, we get our cake and eat it too. We remain in the best non aq conference in the nation (it's still better than a couploe aq conferences in football and hoops); we continue to keep integrity in our entire sports program, and we finally have shown that we're willing to exert our leverage as the cash cow on the MWC; that cannot be understated, the MWC knows we will no longer be pushed around and unappreciated.



I have a feeling that the Big 12 has taken note; and we know that ESPN has. Unless the MWC refuses to give in to our demands of rebroadcasting rights and some independence to allow ESPN in our home games not covered by the Mtn; I think the MWC is still our home til Dan Beebe makes the phone call.

I followed the money...it lead to Craig-O's house...

craigoscarson wrote:
I dont' think the pitfalls concerning the remaining sports makes it palatable enough to pull the trigger, considering the fact that plan A (the Wac) has disintegrated.



But I dont' think this is really about money as much it is about exposure,for BYU, for BYUs recruiting and for the church. Like I mentioned before, there are donors that could make up the difference between what the MTN pays BYU and what BYU would like to run the athletic department. BYU is not hurting for cash to run our programs and keep our facilities world class. However, no single BYU booster or collection of boosters can do for our desire for exposure like ESPN can.



If the MWC gives into to even a decent fraction of BYUs demands for broadcasting independence, we get our cake and eat it too. We remain in the best non aq conference in the nation (it's still better than a couploe aq conferences in football and hoops); we continue to keep integrity in our entire sports program, and we finally have shown that we're willing to exert our leverage as the cash cow on the MWC; that cannot be understated, the MWC knows we will no longer be pushed around and unappreciated.



I have a feeling that the Big 12 has taken note; and we know that ESPN has. Unless the MWC refuses to give in to our demands of rebroadcasting rights and some independence to allow ESPN in our home games not covered by the Mtn; I think the MWC is still our home til Dan Beebe makes the phone call.

If we get concessions from the MWC then we get the best of both worlds. If we don't then we leave. Pretty simple. I don't see any way we stay with the status quo.



People much smarter than me have detailed how the other sports will work in the WCC. They would be fine. Besides basketball, no one cares about the other sports, except for the players and their families. Sounds harsh but it is the reality. Wrestling is a prime example. BYU had a great wrestling program, got axed because of title IX. Some people were no doubt affected but it hasn't done anything to hurt football or basketball. I have yet to hear anyone say, "I will never follow BYU again because they shut down wrestling". Someone might have, but it is like spitting in the ocean. No one notices.



We will be fine in the WCC if that is the route we choose.

I think Hair has his hands tied here, and so do the University Presidents. They are going to realize how bad the MTN deal was for all really fast when Comcast tells them all "no deal" and won't negotiate with BYU. It is Comcast who holds the cards in changing the deal, not the MWC or its Presidents, because Comcast owns The MTN Network. No change to that deal and it matters exactly 0% what Hair and the other University presidents are willing to do for BYU. Comcast has to be willing to give up all rights to broadcast BYU home football games, and I see Comcast saying no, thinking they are calling a bluff, and there will be no bluff. BYU walks, and the MWC suffers--again--because of a horrible TV deal. That deal is what is going to rock this conference.



I also find it curious that the WCC Commissioner is now not speaking about BYU, fielding or returning calls about this matter. He sure was willing to speak up often about it earlier this week, but now is in silence mode. Whether this is a negotiations ploy by BYU or not, it is a real part of this deal.



I think BYU is 100% done with the MWC by tomorrow. The BoT will give BYU the green light to go Indy in football and WCC for all else, and to be honest, I am willing to bet they like the idea of an Independent BYU free to call its own shots. BYU holds itself out as a different and unique institution, and athletic independence could really play into that perception. Notre Dame uses that as well, and it followers love it and it is part of their self perception. For the same reasons, it works for BYU as well.

Lawboy wrote:
I think Hair has his hands tied here, and so do the University Presidents. They are going to realize how bad the MTN deal was for all really fast when Comcast tells them all "no deal" and won't negotiate with BYU. It is Comcast who holds the cards in changing the deal, not the MWC or its Presidents, because Comcast owns The MTN Network. No change to that deal and it matters exactly 0% what Hair and the other University presidents are willing to do for BYU. Comcast has to be willing to give up all rights to broadcast BYU home football games, and I see Comcast saying no, thinking they are calling a bluff, and there will be no bluff. BYU walks, and the MWC suffers--again--because of a horrible TV deal. That deal is what is going to rock this conference.



I also find it curious that the WCC Commissioner is now not speaking about BYU, fielding or returning calls about this matter. He sure was willing to speak up often about it earlier this week, but now is in silence mode. Whether this is a negotiations ploy by BYU or not, it is a real part of this deal.



I think BYU is 100% done with the MWC by tomorrow. The BoT will give BYU the green light to go Indy in football and WCC for all else, and to be honest, I am willing to bet they like the idea of an Independent BYU free to call its own shots. BYU holds itself out as a different and unique institution, and athletic independence could really play into that perception. Notre Dame uses that as well, and it followers love it and it is part of their self perception. For the same reasons, it works for BYU as well.

Comcast may think they can call our bluff, but they probably know better than anyone that the MTN dies without BYU. If presented with a choice of "Lose BYU, and at the same time lose the viability of the MTN and all the money you may have invested in it" or "Give BYU some independence, save the MTN, and still be able to broadcast BYU games when they are away," they may very well be inclined to choose the latter.

Well, if the MWC just adds USU, and Comcast can keep the MTN on its basic package for Utah, Comcast loses $0 in fees from this state. Now the MTN Network might lose loads of add revenue, but perhaps they think they can replace it with more Nevada and Fresno ads. Who knows. I sure Comcast has it figured out. BYU helps the MWC, but does it help Comcast is the question.

Yeah, let's not forget that the MTN did like 30 million 2 years ago? They know who brings in the money. They have people to know who and WHERE pays for their services. That is a lot of business to lose, and BYU (and the future BYU home, Big 12) to gain. It isn't about money, it's about exposure, and money. and exposure. and money. and other things. and money.

It's not about the money in the same way brett favre''s most recent retirement text wasn't about the money. It's not about the money, but sure, I'll take the raise. I have no doubt generous and good people like Craigo would open up the coffers a little wider if BYU asked, I even do to a lesser extent, so I know... but it would be nice for sports to become much more autonomous, and that much more in the green.

I don't buy the accounts everywhere today that we are staying in the mwc. I just don't see it. We are NOT going to spurn ESPN. so unless byu gets some significant tv rights and can keep the deal with espn, i don't see them going back.



if mwc doesn't give significant concession byu is gone, indy it is. wcc for the rest which i have been persuaded is jut fine, not much of a step down for the rest of the sports.

Really, it is Comcast who makes or breaks this for the MWC. If Comcast will deal, BYU stays. If Comcast will not deal, the dye is cast. And it shows that the MWC lacks control when it matters most, because they sold themselves with this horrible TV deal. If you are gonna sell yourself, make sure it is for more than a mess of pottage.

In searching around the Internet for the latest news it seems that absolutely ALL references to the idea that the cougars are going to stay in the MWC point to a single article in the Denver Post. Nobody else is quoting anything else.

profgeek wrote:
In searching around the Internet for the latest news it seems that absolutely ALL references to the idea that the cougars are going to stay in the MWC point to a single article in the Denver Post. Nobody else is quoting anything else.

And Wrubell tweeted last night "Not every MWC source is jumping on the Denver Post bandwagon tonight."

http://twitter.com/gregwrubell



I trust Wrubell and Harmon and to a lesser extent Drew over anybody else, especially the Denver Post after their ridiculous article from a few days ago.

Sammy Linebaugh was just on 1280 and she said BYU is staying but she also quoted ESPN sources so I'm guessing ESPN is privy because of the pending TV deal with BYU.

MTM wrote:
Sammy Linebaugh was just on 1280 and she said BYU is staying but she also quoted ESPN sources so I'm guessing ESPN is privy because of the pending TV deal with BYU.

Well, must mean the MWC and MTN Network made concessions, because I do not see BYU staying under the same situation that they worked hard to get out from under in the first place.

Lawboy wrote:

Sammy Linebaugh was just on 1280 and she said BYU is staying but she also quoted ESPN sources so I'm guessing ESPN is privy because of the pending TV deal with BYU.

Well, must mean the MWC and MTN Network made concessions, because I do not see BYU staying under the same situation that they worked hard to get out from under in the first place.

Agreed. I think it was you who said some time ago that no matter what happens BYU will come out of this in better shape.

MTM wrote:
Sammy Linebaugh was just on 1280 and she said BYU is staying but she also quoted ESPN sources so I'm guessing ESPN is privy because of the pending TV deal with BYU.

A sideline reporter for the MTN has ESPN sources? Her source is probably a friend at ESPN who read the Denver Post article.

We haven't heard from Andy Katz for a while. He was really the first national source to break the BYU - Independent - WAC story. With all his western connections, if anyone at the reporting level at ESPN has an inkling of what's going on, its him.

I think this sits directly in The MTN Netowrks, and Comcast ,in particular's, lap. BYU has tried to get Comcast to revise this deal for years, and they would not. Now, BYU is not messing around, and Comcast sees it. Apparently they did not buy BYU's talk previously, but I have no doubt that they will this time around.

My prognosis: BYU stays in the MWC and Comcast makes a concession that gives them right of first refusal on all MWC games and then gives BYU the right to pick up any others they want after mtn has had first pick. MWC concession might be that BYU gets to keep all their money under such a deal but gives up their (now watered down by 2 more) share.



Comcast isn't stupid and will see that without BYU their current agreement is even more worthless than it already is. By letting BYU televise some of their own games, it potentially brings more viewers to the games mtn decides to broadcast. Another part of it may be that BYU might let some of the facilities (i.e. the "van") be used for some HD, which would also give the mtn a boost.