Looking Into The Crystal Ball

Could More Properties Follow BCS To Cable?

In the wake of the landmark ESPN-BCS partnership, attention now turns to the future of sports media and whether the deal is a harbinger of things to come. Some observers expect other major sports properties to follow the BCS in jumping to cable, lured by the "bottomless treasure chest" of dual revenue streams at outlets like ESPN and Turner. But despite the obvious financial considerations, some questions remain about the move to cable. ESPN has yet to achieve the viewership reach of over-the-air networks, and in several major markets like Houston and Dallas-Ft. Worth, more than 20% of TV homes still do not have cable or satellite access. Also, some wonder what kind of impact the BCS relationship will have on ESPN's editorial decisions, particularly concerning discussion of a playoff.