Promise of FSN extension, ESPN stability helps Big 12 stay intact

The Big 12 was able to stay intact thanks to the promise of an extended media deal from FSN and assurances from ESPN that it would not demand a lower rights fee with two fewer teams. No FSN deal has been signed, and nothing is expected for several weeks at the earliest. But sources say FSN has told Big 12 officials that it would increase its annual payout to as much as $130-$140M per year. It currently pays $19.5M per year for the cable TV rights, a deal that ends following the '11-12 season. As part of its proposed deal, FSN has asked to take control of the conference's third-tier rights that are currently controlled by rights holders IMG, ISP and Learfield, sources said.

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