Should the Big 12 fold, the Univ. of Texas's Longhorn Network "has its bases covered under contingency plans outlined in its 20-year, $300 million deal with the school," according to John Maher of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. According to the contract, "both exit scenarios -- Texas leaving for another conference or to become an independent -- were addressed, and the clause covering Texas as an independent program grants ESPN first negotiating and matching rights" for TV rights currently held by the Big 12. The contract states if UT becomes an independent, the school "agrees to provide ESPN a right of first negotiation of 60 days with respect to its television telecast rights that are currently held by the Conference in such sports." It also states ESPN would not "have to match any term that ESPN demonstrated was impossible to perform or 'was inserted into the proposed arrangement with the other network for the purpose of defeating ESPN's rights.'" ESPN also would "not necessarily have to mirror another bid dollar-for-dollar; it would be allowed to substitute considerations equal in value." If UT moves to another conference, "matters grow more complicated, mostly because the major conferences already have TV deals in place." The Pac -12 "has plans to launch national and regional networks next year, and the Longhorn Network would have to be substantially modified to fit that framework." That might explain why the ACC "has been offered up as a possible landing spot for the Longhorns and their network" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 9/16).
HOOP IT UP: LHN Thursday announced it will broadcast 12 UT regular-season men's basketball games -- nine non-conference and three Big 12 matchups. The net will also televise basketball-themed programs during the season (THE DAILY).
