The future
Apple took another major step into the sports world on Tuesday. Could the Pac-12 be next in line?
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Big12/Pac12 could make a seriously competitive move by signing a deal with Amazon Prime or Netflix (probably Amazon because they already have live sports). Bezos would pay out the wazoo for that original content.
ESPN has 76 million subscribers and the number is dropping at a 10%/ yr clip, whereas Amazon Prime as 200+ million subscribers and its growing (Netflix also has 200+ million).
ND hates the B1G but might have to join by default, and I don't think they want to join the sec. Everyone knows they want to stay independent. They could affiliate with the Big12 (like they did with ACC) , but keep their NBC exclusive deal. I think the BigPac12 might have to dump some deadweight though and bring up its academics. Having Oregon, Stanford, Washington, ND, and Miami would really help.
Id be happy to see UM in a revamped BigPac12 with an annual matchup against ND. Also avoids a lot of weather concerns about B1G and getting screwed by good ol' boys in SEC. Miami would have a recruiting footprint in Florida, Texas, and California. That's as good as it gets!