In a recent column, it is highlighted that college athletics is predominantly driven by money, as evidenced by schools prioritizing financial gains over other considerations. The article discusses the recent realignment of the Pac-12, which led to significant changes in the conference structure. The Pac-12’s decision to poach schools from the Mountain West (MW) has raised questions and concerns among various stakeholders.
The columnist points out that the success of the Pac-12’s rebuild ultimately hinges on two key factors – the value of the conference’s media-rights deal and the potential legal costs associated with exit fees and poaching penalties owed to the MW. The Pac-12’s strategy, or lack thereof, in handling these issues will ultimately determine the success of its rebuild.
The article suggests that the Pac-12 missed opportunities to mitigate financial risks and optimize its media-rights potential. The decision-making process, including signing short-term agreements and misjudging interest from other conferences, has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the Pac-12’s plan.
As the Pac-12 continues to navigate these challenges, the ultimate outcome of the rebuild remains uncertain. The columnist emphasizes the significance of the league’s television deal in determining the overall success of the realignment. Whether the financial gains justify the complexities and potential legal liabilities involved in the rebuild remains to be seen.
In conclusion, the column underscores the central role of money in college athletics and urges stakeholders to closely monitor the financial implications of the Pac-12 realignment. The future of the conference and its member schools will largely depend on how effectively financial considerations are managed moving forward.
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