The Big Ten conference has been exploring expansion possibilities, and recent discussions have centered around two potential powerhouse additions: the University of Oregon and the University of Washington.
Both universities were reportedly approached after the Big Ten’s unsuccessful attempt to acquire USC and UCLA. With those expansion options off the table, the conference leadership turned its attention to other strong competitors in the region.
The Appeal of Oregon and Washington
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, there’s a solid rationale for the Big Ten’s interest in these schools. Despite some initial setbacks in expanding their west coast footprint, the Big Ten see Oregon and Washington as valuable commodities. Not only are they sports powerhouses in the Pac-12, but their potential vulnerability puts the Big Ten in a position to acquire them at a discounted price.
Though the exact financial details aren’t specified, it’s clear that this move would benefit both schools and the conference. The Ducks and Huskies will gain access to the prestige of the Big Ten, while the conference will attract new audiences and get an opportunity to consolidate their dominance.
Is The Big Ten the Greener Pasture?
With the potential of joining the Big Ten, both schools might be seeing a welcome change of environment. The Big Ten’s reputation and financial clout may provide a tempting contrast to the Pac-12. As the negotiations progress, it’s a reasonable assumption that Oregon and Washington would consider an offer to join, especially at a discount.
In conclusion, the Big Ten’s expansion towards the west remains a compelling story in the world of college sports. The potential addition of Oregon and Washington is not only logical from a strategic perspective, but it also creates an exciting prospect for college sports fans.
Big Ten Expansion Updates
The Big Ten conference has been exploring the potential growth of its influence, with Washington and Oregon as its prime targets. Details about the proposed deal are beginning to leak, even though there has been no finalized television contract yet.
According to anonymous sources privy to the ongoing negotiations, the proposed deal could see the two schools receiving an annual payment within the $30 to $40 million range. This figure is an estimate at best, as Washington and Oregon have raised concerns over the potential increase in travel costs.
Loaning from Media Partner
These considerations have begun to generate ideas about the possibility of obtaining a loan from a media partner to subsidize costly travel expenses. Nothing has been set in stone yet and it would be premature to consider this a done deal for Oregon. However, with the pace at which realignment talks are unravelling, an official pronouncement might not be too far off.
Big Ten’s Proposal
The Big Ten’s offer, as reported by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, is poised to award the two teams $35-40 million annually. Though a lucrative offer, the projected increment in travel cost is a deterrent. With the recent approval of Arizona’s application by Big 12, the next wave of realignment could come sooner than most people imagine.
While the future of Arizona State and Utah remains uncertain, Oregon and Washington could be on the edge of a significant shift. Despite the figures being less than ideal, exits from the Four Corner schools could influence the University of Washington and Oregon to accept the Big Ten’s proposal, expanding the conference’s influence to the west coast.
The Ongoing Conference Realignment Conversations
The world of college sports is witnessing some significant shifts, with the Pac-12 Conference right at the center. Something that has been a constant over the past few weeks is the speculation about various team relocations within the league. The rumors involving the University of Oregon Ducks have been the most prominent, seeming almost inevitable now.
An Offering from the Big Ten
As reported by James Crepea from The Oregonian, the Ducks are ready to fly to the Big Ten if an invitation is sent their way. The course of action still needs to unfold, but it’s plausible that Oregon Ducks could be on the verge of making the switch.
Financial Decisions Loom Large
The crucial deciding factors for both Oregon and Washington, another potential defector, arguably revolve around the financial side of the deal. Reports suggest their initial share might only equal half of the sum other schools earn from the Big Ten’s latest TV deal. The matter of cross-country travel has also become a contentious issue for both the Ducks and Huskies.
An Attractive Payout Awaits
Yet, the allure of joining the Big Ten is very much alive, according to various reports, such as those from Pete Nakos of On3. Indeed, the attraction rests significantly on the juicy annual payout likely to accompany a deal to move Oregon and possibly Washington to the Big Ten.
