It appears that the opportunity cost has finally become too much to ignore.
An article published today at ChicagoTribune.com explains that the long-discussed expansion of the Big Ten to twelve teams is finally a realistic near-term possibility.
There is no word yet on exactly how the Big Ten would incorporate a 12th team into its name and logo (although KVB provided idea with the logo you see in this post), but the fact of the matter is that the potential financial windfall from such a move make names and logos a secondary concern.
From the Tribune article on the Big Ten possibly expanding to 12 teams in the near future:
Why is it being revisited now?
The biggest reason, as always, is the stuff that doesn’t grow on trees: money. If the league expands to 12 teams and two divisions — like the SEC, Big 12 and ACC — it would create a Big Ten title game that could be worth $5 million or more to the league. The Big Ten Network would love to televise it, and the conference has a 51 percent ownership stake in the network.
…
Who might that be?
Paterno has mentioned Rutgers, Syracuse and Pittsburgh.
Rutgers would give the league an “in” to the New York TV market.
Missouri has been rumored forever. Cincinnati and Louisville might be considered.
How about the school that just launched Charlie Weis?
Notre Dame? Not happening. The school puts a premium on its independence.
Personally, the more I think about it, the more I don’t like it.
I like the traditional, old-school nature of the Big Ten, and I like the competitive differences in some conferences having a championship game and some not.
While I do think that Penn State’s addition to the conference has been a good thing, I am not excited about seeing the Big Ten become just like every other major conference.
It’s similar to my thoughts on the DH in baseball. I like that the AL has it and the NL doesn’t. I enjoy watching the SEC championship game, but I also enjoy the fact that the Big Ten doesn’t have one and that champions are decided how they have always been.
I realize that this decision ultimately won’t come down to tradition or what is best for the conference or college football as a whole – whether my opinions on this matter are right or not. The decision will come down to money, as does every other decision in college football.
What do you think?
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About Jerod Morris
