– Big 12 is projected to arrive next year with new teams
– The conference realignment has the PAC-12 losing four teams to the Big 12
– Economic factors are behind this scenario, mirroring similar patterns seen in youth sports
Big 12 Conference Realignment: The Drive of Economic Power
As the dust from the crumbling PAC-12 settles, sports enthusiasts are left wondering why four teams migrated to the Big 12. The answer, of course, lies in the brutal yet pervasive economics that drive both collegiate and youth sports.
The New Landscape
The new Big 12 Conference roster will feature buzzy matchups like Kansas State vs. Utah and the University of Kansas vs. Arizona. This shuffle in team loyalties signifies a shift in collegiate sports dynamics, mirroring the economic pressures influencing team alignments in youth sports as well.
Shifts in Financial Territory
The realignment reflects the harsh realities of sports economics, with many financially beleaguered teams opting for whatever league offers a potentially brighter future. In a nutshell, these shifts underscore the power of commercial interests and broadcasting rights – areas where the Big 12 has lately exhibited more promise, thus making it an enticing option for the departing PAC-12 teams.
The Breezy Take
If there’s one lesson to glean from this, it’s that the business of sports – even at the collegiate level – follows the same laws that apply to most industries: navigate towards profitability. The Big 12 realignment is telling of this, with teams migrating in search of financial stability amidst the rough patch facing the PAC-12. It brings to light the intricate economics that govern sporting leagues and highlights how broadcasting rights and commercial interests can sway team loyalties. In this game of numbers, it’s apparent that survival often trumps tradition.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/11/big-12-conference-realignment-driven-by-same-brutal-economics-as-youth-sports/