Conference Realignment: How Long Can Big 12 Stay Together?

With the exception of Texas A&M, the Big 12 appears to be remaining solvent for the time being after a conference call by the board put the chaos to rest.

The problem all along has been the Longhorn Network, run by ESPN to essentially benefit Texas when it comes to recruiting.

That problem hasn't gone away, and despite the present conference of residence for Oklahoma (not going anywhere, but wanting to go anywhere else fast), you can't hide the fact that as long as the Longhorn Network exists, it's going to be trouble.

Texas A&M found a new home in the SEC because they could. The only reason Oklahoma isn't headed out of the Big 12 is because Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott wouldn't let them (you know, he figured he would have to add Texas, too, and that would just be a bad idea).

So, the question really isn't if the Big 12 will remain solvent. As long as Texas doesn't share revenue from the network, you can be assured several teams will break apart from the conference.

No, the question is, how long before the Big 12 disintegrates into an unrecognizable mass?

Well, there is the interesting development regarding the "grant of rights." It's a six-year deal that would allow the Big 12 to retain the TV rights of any team within its conference that opts to flee. Obviously, such a deal would make Big 12 teams worthless to other conferences, meaning they would be doomed to remain in a conference they frankly despise right now.

But Pete Thamel of the New York Times pointed out that the deal may or may not be finalized. He quoted "one Big 12 official" as saying it was an "agreement in principle." Missouri chancellor and chairman of the Big 12 presidents Brady Deaton flat out said there was no agreement (hence the speculation that Missouri may be out of there).

My thoughts?

I can't be sure but this looks to me like a smokescreen, an "agreement" devised to calm the storm that has been raging for two years, if only for a little bit. When, in reality, why would any Big 12 program except for Texas essentially agree to stay in the conference for another six years? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

All I can say is, good luck remaining solvent for another six years, Big 12.