Big 12 Realignment: Texas Will Stay, Future Promises Notwithstanding

Texas is staying put. Looking at the numbers, the administration of the University of Texas realized that joining the Pac-10 is not the cash cow it had hoped for in terms of long-range revenue accumulation.

In fact, last year the Big 12 actually outperformed the Pac-10 by more than $30 million. Texas and others being considered for a move from the Big 12 would actually lose money in the switch.

It has also been stated on media networks that Texas did evaluate the option of joining the SEC along with Texas A&M, but, after careful consideration, turned away from that opportunity as well.

This move by the Texas administration has historical implications in preserving long-term bonds between members of the Big 12 that previously made up the old Southwest Conference.

These Texas schools seem inseparable, and it may just be exactly as it seems. They want or need to stay together. Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, and Texas Tech have ties that simply cannot be broken without excessive political fallout across the Texas landscape.

Plans that are being considered include allowing Texas to develop its own television contracts and/or having its own network, therefore keeping the revenue generated from such a deal. The plan would mirror the arrangement that Notre Dame has with national television networks.

While the outcome of keeping the Big 12 intact is most desirable, it doesn't change the fact that Texas is still the kingpin and wants the cake to itself. As a pure and simple business arrangement, it certainly makes sense.

But it is clearly outside the lines of other conference revenue-sharing programs.

What's in it for the rest of the conference members? Well, they get to stay in a BCS conference. They have the privilege of rubbing shoulders and taking the field with the Longhorns. That will have to do for now.

At this point, there are no plans to re-expand to 12 teams. If that doesn't happen, they will definitely have to consider a name change.

This story is not finished by any means. Even if this short-term fix works to bring peace for a season, other conferences with expansion propositions will come calling on Oklahoma to try and cherry pick another elite program from the Texas ties.

It would be a great move for the Big 12 to consider TCU and Houston to keep the conference membership at 12 and continue to have a championship game at season's end.