(10-13-2021 12:10 PM)Michael in Raleigh Wrote:  The Big East can enjoy whatever it wants to enjoy.

I'm glad you cleared that up. I thought this had more to do with retaining "Big 6" or "P5" status.
The Big 12 is actually surviving in the power structure on the remnants of the OBE. All of the new members are highly credible additions within the power structure. The ability to bring in additions that are nationally known and have experience in the power system was BIG.
The realignment has kept their status as the #3 rated Football Conference and #1 rated Hoops conference in tact, while retaining autonomy status.

(10-13-2021 12:10 PM)Michael in Raleigh Wrote:  The Big 12 retained autonomy status, but it just got its but whooped and is going to take a massive pay cut. Things could be worse, but they sure were a lot better before. How is that enjoyable?

We disagree on this. My opinion is the Big 12 just left totalitarian governance and is now a whole (at 12) democratic group. They brought in programs that were on the outside through no fault of their own, but rather were left undervalued by the winds of realignment change.

That was actually a fortuitous circumstance of this. The fact that the Old Big East died so the Big 12 could live with solid additions. (one of which is being forecasted as a CFP participant) You couldn't write a smoother transition.

As for payout projections, that will all take place with everyone elses. Stressing over that now is a waste of energy. Who knows what it looks like if Cincinnati runs the table? That's the fun of college sports. It's an ever changing environment.