[MikeWaters]

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/conte...ogs_bohl_games

If you’re asking why ESPN is close to finalizing a deal to link up with Texas as its broadcast partner for the new Longhorn television network for exorbitant figures perhaps approaching $15 million a year, it’s because the worldwide leader is hoping to use this platform as a way to leverage - with Texas’ help - a deal to acquire all of the Big 12’s television rights that will be negotiated next spring. And, yes, we all know Texas has clout. If the other nine members of the reconfigured Big 12 don’t go along, Texas hasn’t minded using its power before and could easily reopen talks with the Pac-12 or go independent. ESPN is positioning itself for the inside track with the Big 12 and squeezing out Fox. One very highly placed Big 12 school official told me this week the other nine schools are holding preliminary discussions about their own networks. To avoid Texas threatening to leave again, the opinion here is the Big 12 must be aggressive and try to strengthen itself against other assaults. That means looking to expand. It should go after Arkansas and LSU, Arizona and Arizona State, heck even Notre Dame. I keep hearing Kansas is talking to the Big East. Who would blame the Jayhawks for looking since they were nearly left out in the last realignment merry-go-round?