In a regularly-scheduled meeting today at an undisclosed Dallas area location, the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors reaffirmed previous action to execute institutional grants of Tier 1 (over-the-air) and Tier 2 (cable) television rights to the Conference.
The Board also discussed a wide range of topics including NCAA legislation, the Bowl Championship Series, and exploration of a Conference dedicated TV network. Additionally, a strong desire for the University of Missouri to maintain its Big 12 affiliation was expressed. All 10 member institutions and TCU participated in the meeting.
http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=205321841
If they discuss it but don't make one, I'll be pretty devastated.
Making one and getting one on the air are two different things. The BTN was only on satellite for its first year. Comcast saved the network's ass, I doubt Comcast will give neary a damn about a Big 12 Network and I don't know how Cox Cable will react in a carriage negotiation. Also worth noting that Fox is a majority owner in the BTN and that helps with distribution and carriage negotiations. If a proposed B12N gets off of the ground who is going to bank roll it? I don't think Disney will be interested in fronting the LHN and the B12N.
With four Texas schools, that network will be on every carrier in Texas within a year. It will be on every cable network in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and wherever we go from here.
The model is set. Fox knows how to make truckloads of cash on it now. It may not be as profitable as the BTN, but it will be profitable. They'll do it.