Does ESPN have a hand in all of this?

[ridik01]

Think about it, the LHN has been a failure since launch. Mediocre after mediocre season has haunted Texas.

Does anyone believe that ESPN may actually be overjoyed if Saban does come to Texas? Did they have a hand in all of this?

Does this mean that the big 12 will become more powerful, and the SEC won't be the "it" conference to talk about?

 

[Chitownhorn]

I don't believe ESPN will ever come out and say it but I believe they will be very happy when Saban ends up at Texas. Since they have a substantial financial interest in the success of the Texas athletic program it wouldn't surprise me at all if they are providing some sort of financial incentives to Saban in order to protect their investment.

 

[RoyalCrowns]

ridik01,

Kind of odd, I think just the opposite. At least on ESPN being excited for Saban to take the Texas job. Two of their biggest talking heads - Finebaum & Herbstreit - have been trying to convince the world it'll never happen. I even think Colin Cowherd has said it's not gonna happen. Rather than just report the findings and allow us to make up our mind, it's almost like they desperately want Saban to stay put. But I may just be a conspiracy theorist. IDK.

 

[Revjamesl]

Think about it, the LHN has been a failure since launch. Mediocre after mediocre season has haunted Texas. Does anyone believe that ESPN may actually be overjoyed if Saban does come to Texas? Did they have a hand in all of this?

Does this mean that the big 12 will become more powerful, and the SEC won't be the "it" conference to talk about?

ESPN has a much bigger deal with the SEC and Saban is 'King of the SEC' so I highly doubt it. ESPN probably makes more money with Saban at Bama.

 

[ridik01]

I don't believe ESPN will ever come out and say it but I believe they will be very happy when Saban ends up at Texas. Since they have a substantial financial interest in the success of the Texas athletic program it wouldn't surprise me at all if they are providing some sort of financial incentives to Saban in order to protect their investment.

I was thinking the same thing, they're losing a substantial amount of money with the LHN. I think that's where he 1% of the LHN for Saban comes in.

 

[CardSID]

No.

 

[POCKEY]

You lost me at "failure since launch."

The LHN is a game changer for the school both athleticaly and academicly. The content is top notch if a bit redundant. That's growing pains.

If we had played for a natty the last few years, I'm sure we would have been picked up by a Natl carrier. We'll get there. A splash hire will help.

I guess you haven't had the pleasure of watching the LHN on a nightly basis

 

[ridik01]

You lost me at "failure since launch."
The LHN is a game changer for the school both athleticaly and academicly. The content is top notch if a bit redundant. That's growing pains.

If we had played for a natty the Saturday few years, I'm sure we would have been picked up by a Natl carrier. Well get there. A splash hire will help.

I guess you haven't had the pleasure of watching the LHN on a nightly basis

Talking about money and viewership here. They haven't been turning a profit for a while!

 

[txscallywag]

I could see how ESPN could benefit, but I thought ESPN had a lovefest thing going on with the SEC. Then again, I still maintain that ESPN helped make the SEC what they are today. Maybe they're shifting the weight.

 

[ridik01]

I could see how ESPN could benefit, but I thought ESPN had a lovefest thing going on with the SEC. Then again, I still maintain that ESPN helped make the SEC what they are today. Maybe they're shifting the weight.

I agree 100%, without ESPN you can strip most of those championships away from the SEC!

 

[POCKEY]

Talking about money and viewership here. They haven't been turning a profit for a while!

Gotcha. Texas playing for larger stakes and having a more interesting product on the field and court will help.

 

[beevomav]

If you are not watching the gals in volleyball, you are missing out. I love the content. Good pre and post game programing, and ESPN will bring in more carriers. Plus it's generating jobs in Austin.