I'm not saying this is particularly likely, but it came to mind so I figured I'd post it.

The Big 12 GOR is up in a few years and what if the foundations are being laid for the key schools to form a new league and solider on? Perhaps with a more robust lineup and a more media focused market presence?

The Big 12 ran a dog and pony show last year before announcing they would not expand. Perhaps the reason they did that was because most of the members of the Big 12 have a future as long as they don't upset the apple cart? Without a clear consensus to expand, there was no end game for a minority of schools that will ultimately be left out because of their lack of gravitas.

While I think it's very likely that OU and OSU end up in the SEC, I'm having trouble envisioning Texas going anywhere other than a league where they can rule the roost. So what if UT puts the full court press on OU to stick around and help form the basis for a new conference?

What if Texas is willing to convert the LHN to a conference network as long as the right pieces are in place to make it more profitable for them? What if ESPN plans on using their LHN investment to acquire properties that might be vulnerable otherwise?

BEHOLD!

I present the Big Union Conference(Like the name? T-shirts will be on sale soon!)

Texas and Oklahoma decide to keep their little brothers in an effort to appease politicians and provide a solid base of operations in the region.

Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State stick together.

Kansas gets a nod because of their national stature and AAU status.

Iowa State gets a nod because of access to a different market, well rounded athletics and AAU status.

Baylor is out because of politics. TCU needs other TX schools to be relevant so they're out. Kansas State is redundant and West Virginia is allowed to move on to a league more suitable to their geography.

That's 6 in so far. Who else? Well, remember that the PAC GOR is expiring about the same time so perhaps now is an opportunity to correct some of the failures of past decisions...

Arizona and Arizona State decide to break away from a weakened PAC that lacks distribution and align themselves with TX.

The question is does anyone follow them? While most of the PAC schools probably identify with the B1G more than any other league, the travel would be hellacious. What if ESPN is able to acquire key PAC properties without having to purchase the PAC Network?

What if Washington and Oregon leave their little brothers due to inability to produce?

What if the CA schools decide this is their best bet to get coverage in the Central and Eastern time zones?

Utah and Colorado follow as well as they tap different markets.

West: Washington, Oregon, California, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Arizona, Arizona State
East: Utah, Colorado, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Iowa State

You have a well rounded 16 while most of the weakest producers have been cut off to maximize efficiency.

The LHN is converted into an ESPN-owned conference network while the marginally profitable PAC Network is allowed to go defunct or possibly sold to another media company. Either way, the current PAC schools get out from under it and partner with the schools that will save their behind.

Wouldn't it be simpler for a few Big 12 schools to just join the PAC? That's a good question and it would be simpler, but it's probably not nearly as profitable for the networks or the schools for that to happen.

Thoughts?