The best case scenario for the long-term survival and, dare I suggest success, hinges on one thing at this point....the CFP expanding to 8 teams. This guarantees a member institution a seat at the table annually and the corresponding revenues and prestige. And, if the Big 12 averages the same number or even a slightly lower number of appearances per year as the Big 10 and ACC (purposefully leaving the SEC out), there is more money per school for the Big 12.
I have absolutely no idea how close this is to becoming a reality but I do know the 12-year contract ESPN signed for the CFP ends in 2025, the same year the Big 12 grant of rights expires. There are many misaligned interests in this league. Yet, there isn't a single member institution that doesn't benefit greatly from an expansion to 8 although the reasons for the benefit vary dramatically.
It is my hope KSU leadership is working with the leadership of other member institutions to invoke the league to take a similar posture within its leadership. Said leadership has been horrific for over a decade at this point, but spearheading the transition from 4 to 8 could eradicate many prior ills and set the stage for decades of stability. All I want is what is best for KSU for the next 50 years and I don't see any better (or realistic) way of that being accomplished than the aforementioned.
I'm not holding my breath, but it seems very plausible considering ESPN's financial woes and bad contracts. Expanding the CFP from 3 games to 7 would help significantly negate those issues.
I have absolutely no idea how close this is to becoming a reality but I do know the 12-year contract ESPN signed for the CFP ends in 2025, the same year the Big 12 grant of rights expires. There are many misaligned interests in this league. Yet, there isn't a single member institution that doesn't benefit greatly from an expansion to 8 although the reasons for the benefit vary dramatically.
It is my hope KSU leadership is working with the leadership of other member institutions to invoke the league to take a similar posture within its leadership. Said leadership has been horrific for over a decade at this point, but spearheading the transition from 4 to 8 could eradicate many prior ills and set the stage for decades of stability. All I want is what is best for KSU for the next 50 years and I don't see any better (or realistic) way of that being accomplished than the aforementioned.
I'm not holding my breath, but it seems very plausible considering ESPN's financial woes and bad contracts. Expanding the CFP from 3 games to 7 would help significantly negate those issues.
