Show Me the Money: What To Do

 
It has been widely known that the Big 12 reached a new media rights deal worth a gargantuan amount of coin. Sports Business Journal reports that the conference has re-upped with ESPN and FOX on a new 6 year agreement worth a total of $2.28 billion. The existing deal has two years remaining, so the six year extension will run through 2030-31. New Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark since working under the direction of Bob Bowlsby, moves have proved to be genius.

The annual average distribution comes out to $380 million when the new contract begins in 2025-26 per SBJ, which is an average of $31.6 million for the conference's 12 members, not including revenue from the NCAA mens basketball tournament and soon to be expanded College Football Playoff. The current deal has an average of $220 million per year. According to Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollar, Big 12 schools will get close to $50 million annually despite the fact that Oklahoma and Texas will be departing from the conference for the SEC in 2025.

Apparently, the new Big 12's contract reportedly does not close the door for additional expansion either. it has a pro rata clause in the event of future expansion which likely could be around the corner in regards to the Pac12 shaky media situation. It has been widely reported that the Big 12 has had contact with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah. The P12 seems to be struggling to reach a new deal with its media rights expiring in 2024. Thus, the Big 12 expansion seems highly likely around the corner as Yormark previously stated his desire to operate in 4 time zones.

BYUs operating budget has been ridiculously minimal in comparison from other major universities at best taking no funds from the church but through donors, etc. This would be an incredible change in the amount of cashflow to stand on. As a new member of the Big 12 in 2023 BYU's cut likely will not be in the full payout immediately but whatever their share is certainly will be rather significantly more than the $6-$10 million it was making during the Independence Era deal with ESPN.

So what does BYU do with a $1 million check, or even much more with the incoming money? Where would you spend that kind of coin?

Staffing. One could assume since it's pretty much common knowledge that the University coaching salaries are likely underpaid compared to similar positions in other Power Five conferences that there will be plenty of coin flowing to the athletic coaches being paid finally more competitively and likely adding more supporting staff members. Back in November BYU athletics showed just under 250 employees. By comparison University of Texas listed more than 470 employees in their athletic department. Expect more hires as the athletic program enters into the Big 12 era. 

Travel. During the Independent Era BYU football has played all over the country from sea to shining sea (Pac12 teams clear to Coastal Carolina as recent examples). Entering the Big 12 there is certainly a change in geography and additional miles (longer trips). The student athletes will be spending more hours away from campus completing more remote homework/assignments/projects so more tutors will likely be needed. When possible charter flights for all major sports as well.

Facilities. Although, highly unlikely BYU would build a new football or basketball facility. However, upgrades could certainly be expected. Possibly fill in the corners at LES, throw in some suites (corporate or otherwise, etc). Upgrade the restrooms and stadium seating. The Smith Fieldhouse is up in years, almost as old as Keith Richards, perhaps then a new fieldhouse for volleyball, etc. 

Recruiting. This is the lifeblood of the program. This is also an absolute must in order to compete at the highest levels. BYU will certainly need to add to the quality depth on the roster and quickly. Even with more coin available BYU ultimately may still have a limited draw pool it can offer from due to the culture and/or honor code. However, BYU can certainly make positive progress to attracting more top end LDS athletes who may have gone elsewhere due to the P5 status and find those often overlooked. Find a footprint in recruiting of the Big 12 country.