FanShot

Millions of reasons for Big East's stance

+

Interesting article from ESPN's Kristi Dosh. With Syracuse and Pittsburgh heading to the ACC, and WVU likely going to the Big 12, many are questioning why the Big East would force these teams to remain in the conference for the mandatory 27 months. Again, it comes down to money. "Why would the Big East play hardball with its defectors? Because more than $20 million per year is at stake given the Big East's automatic-BCS-qualifying status. For the 2011-12 school year, BCS conferences will receive $22.3 million for their qualifying team and can earn another $6.1 million if another member receives an at-large berth. A non-automatic-qualifying conference team selected for a BCS game receives $26.4 million but must divide that revenue with the other four non-automatic-qualifying conferences."