BYU to Big East? Not So Fast My Friend

[Santafe]

Conflicting stories continue to arise, including one that says the Big East rejected the latest proposal by BYU. Looks like BYU is wanting too much.

Brett McMurphy of CBSsports.com says BYU's attorneys working on the deal with the Big East are "a piece of work."

Bottom line: talks between the Cougars and the Big East have hit a snag -- a snag that might be very, very difficult to overcome. "I doubt BYU will happen," a top industry exec told McMurphy. "They are being extremely unreasonable all of a sudden. This is one reason why they did not get into the Big 12."

That's similar to what happened regarding BYU and the Big 12, although it had more to do with BYU's lack of a western traveling partner than anything else, including TV. (The Big 12 decided to look east rather than look west, and chose West Virginia. Air Force said no and Boise State's academics were not good enough.)

The biggest reason for the impasse is BYU harbors bad feelings toward NBC-Comcast due to the way the Cougars perceive they were treated by NBC-Comcast when they were members of the MWC. (NBC-Comcast is said to be very interested in landing the Big East TV contract when the bidding begins next year.)

More problems:

BYU Football: Cougars, Big East Haggling Over TV Deals?

 

[tamster]

reportedly they wanted the rights to their home games. don't think that flies in the big 12 either.

skc

 

[Santafe]

Congrats, BYU. You've managed to burn another potential conference invite, because talks have ended. Good luck with future scheduling, you'll need it.

(Insert San Diego State for BYU in the Big East.)

Source: BYU, Big East End Talks

 

[XOVER]

It would appear, I guess, that BYU is banking on BYUtv revenues derived from its religious appeal, not just nationwide, but internationally. Even though that appeal may be tangible, I question the wisdom of BYU's intransigence.

Personally, I think BYU ought to be more flexible, but then, whatever. I also prefer an eastern expansion, instead of a western expansion, for many reasons, not the least of which is that WVU will soon become a B12 member.