Alignment and Realignment

Last July, weeks after USC and UCLA shocked the nation with their Big Ten announcement, Pac 12 commissioner George Kliavkoff stated boldly "No Pac12 school is going to the Big 12". Eight months later, may give a much clearer indication of the outcome and fallout.

Kliavkoff is facing immense pressure to produce a new media rights deal to its members by the end of the month. However, things are certainly not looking bright to assemble such an acceptable deal. Sources aware of the ongoing media discussions have said the Big 12 conference have been in recent contact with the Four Corners (Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah). If this truly is the case, it surely would be an indication that either the potential deal numbers may be rather underwhelming or that there is likely no deal outcome. Yet, the remaining P12 schools continue to state they will remain steadfast standing together. Big 12 commissioner's goal is well know to be in 4 time zones. Several P12 voices have given their displeasure how long the negotiations have already taken. 

There are rumors of the P12 attempting to add more members likely poaching teams from the MWC. Two of which are known as potential expansion candidates in San Diego State and SMU. Could Colorado State be a possible addition? It does have a new football stadium and is known to be a research university. However, the P12 already owns the Denver television market with Colorado. Thus, that makes no sense. How about Boise State or Fresno State? They are probably much better fits in the Big 12. Have heard as well of a possible alliance with the ACC. Yet, we've already seen how alliances go in the NCAA. 

Even though publicly the school say that they will stand in unison, at the end of the day we know that this about money and each will look out for themselves. What are their benefits? What are the advantages of sticking around? Or do they seek acceptance into another conference (Big 12). Keep in mind, the votes of the presidents and chancellors are the ones who will truly count. With the current outlook, even if a deal was secured it likely wouldn't be able to match what could be given if school A, B, or C were to bail to the Big 12 which is the end goal for Yormark (4 time zones, we are open for business) which my guess we shall see at least two split off to accept an invite elsewhere (likely Arizona and Arizona State), possible more. That likely would mean the end of the P12 "conference of champions" as we know it.