TV rights could dictate timeline of potential Texas, Oklahoma move to the SEC

As the fallout comes from a blockbuster report out of the Houston Chronicle that Texas and Oklahoma are interested in joining the SEC, a big piece of the puzzle could factor into the transition.

Two reporters, Chuck Carlton and Dennis Dodd, each pointed out that the Big 12 television deal goes for another four years, and would be a factor in the timeline of a possible move. Meanwhile, the television networks involved with the respective leagues, Fox Sports and ABC/ESPN, could also get involved.

Multiple reporters and analysts, including Paul Finebaum, have suggested there’s something to the story.

“My first impression of this story, Laura, is there’s something to it,” Finebaum said on the SEC Network with Laura Rutledge.

Per the B12 grant of rights, league owns the TV rights of any school that leaves conference before current contract expires in 2025.

— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) July 21, 2021

One thing to keep in mind is that Big 12 TV contract with ESPN/Fox extends for another four years. So does the grant of rights. Don’t know how Texas and Oklahoma get around that to leave for SEC before then. Sure it’s possible but …

— Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) July 21, 2021

That said, not just speculation. Lot of things going on with Texas and OU.

— Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) July 21, 2021

Fox might be on the verge of losing Texas & OU, their biggest TV draw in the Big 12.

I’d put money on it that they will send a broker to persuade the two schools to workout some sorta merger with Pac 12 & B1G

— David Allen (@Doc_Texas) July 21, 2021