Don't Mess With Texas

Texas Will Remain In Big 12 Conference

The Univ. of Texas has decided to stay put, shunning the advances of the Pac-10 and ensuring the future of the Big 12 Conference. Texas reportedly decides to remain in a 10-team Big 12 after Commissioner Dan Beebe promises higher TV revenue and grants the school the right to pursue its own network. The league stays together due to the promise of an extended media deal from FSN and assurances ESPN will not demand a lower rights fee with two fewer teams. Beebe after being sharply criticized for not doing enough to fend off rival leagues, is being applauded for keeping the conference together. Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott is also being lauded for his ambitious growth plan, even if he came up a bit short of his ultimate goal of a 16-team superconference. Scott will now likely set his sights on adding Utah to expand to 12 teams.

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