Unofficial Report - Big Ten informed 4 schools they would be welcome

[Miller]

Kansas City ESPN Radio 810 is reporting (Joe Schad reported on College Football Live) that the Big Ten has let 4 school know that they would be welcomed to join the Big Ten. The 4 schools that have been notified are:

• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Notre Dame
• Rutgers

Big Ten has no comment on this report other than they plan to stick to their initial time line of 12-18 months. Report is stating that the voting on this could take place as soon as the Big 10 Conference meeting in June.

You would have to assume that is all 4 would get in that a 5th would come as well. If you get the 4 above, a school like Texas may be forced to make a move and this super conference would be VERY attractive.

 

[nicholete]

Why is Notre Dame on this list? Haven't they made it clear they will not join conference? Am I missing something?

 

[mudloggerone]

pipe dream

 

[chrisslabaugh]

I would like for Notre Dame to join the Big Ten

 

[Miller]

Notre Dame has stated they would prefer to stay independent but the current climate may force them into looking at a conference alignment. That was a couple months ago. At the time, sounded like they would at least listen.

 

[nicholete]

Ok thanks Miller.

 

[chrisslabaugh]

ND hoops could dominate the Big Ten

 

[Miller]

ND hoops could dominate the Big Ten

:biglaugh:

 

[dannywest]

Could someone please explain what exactly is the benefit from not joining a conference?

 

[mudloggerone]

They have a pretty big network TV deal that they don't have to share the revenues from with other teams. They also have a lot more flexibility with who they can schedule to play against. Other than those two nothing jumps out at me.

 

[Phicinfan]

They have a pretty big network TV deal that they don't have to share the revenues from with other teams. They also have a lot more flexibility with who they can schedule to play against. Other than those two nothing jumps out at me.

:nod:
Add to that that the Big Ten has certain requirments that schools offer as far as academic programs....that a private catholic college would not necessarily want to offer or be forced to have. Plus the Big ten also has certain research requirements that Notre Dame does not offer as of yet...and would cost to get that capability in.

One other note.

I think ND says no. If so, and other three say yes (and I believe they will) then my gut says they will then invite UConn and Texas to be the other two, and move to a super conf. of 16 teams.

 

[dannywest]

So ultimately it comes down to money?

 

[Phicinfan]

So ultimately it comes down to money?

With big time schools, usually.

Big Ten is very attractive due to its own TV network, and the fact that it gets a lot of play on regular networks as well.

ND has had its NBC contract to lean on...not sure that will ever happen again though. If not, then ND has to look to the future soon.

 

[mudloggerone]

You bring up a great point PhiCinFan and that's the end off Notre Dame's networrk contract. When does it end and what's the chances that NBC ponies up those huge bucks again for a school that has done little on the football field of late?