BYU Big East: Will TV Deal Complicate Big East's Push for Cougars?

The Big East has reportedly been pursuing football independent BYU for months, and now the conference is making a big push for the school.

But despite the Big East's determination to add BYU—passing over such schools as Temple and Memphis—there would still be a hangup if the two agreed to terms.

BYU reportedly signed a TV deal with ESPN last season after leaving the Mountain West Conference and becoming an independent. Extended through 2018, the deal allows ESPN to air three football games a season.

The school also has its own TV network, which airs at least one football game a season.

The Big East won't be negotiating a new TV deal until next year, but already the recruiting pitch has begun, with potential members being assured they would stand to gain more revenue by joining the conference.

According to Boise State President Bob Kustra, Big East members annually receive approximately $3.7 million under the conference's current TV contract, while MWC members only receive $1.9 million per year.

That could be enough to sway BYU, which has proven to be a program that can battle ranked teams, including Texas and Utah the last two seasons.

It's no wonder why the Big East is pursuing BYU over Temple and Memphis, especially given Temple hasn't been as good this season and Memphis is known more for its basketball than its football.

Big East is making a big push to add a slew of new programs, including Boise State, Air Force and Navy for football only, and Houston, SMU and UCF in all sports.

Adding BYU would only make the conference better, throwing in a legitimate Cinderella team that has gone 7-3 this season.