Q: Why is Nebraska leaving the Big 12?
A: Ensuring future stability is the biggest reason. From the start, the Big 12 was a marriage of convenience between the old Big Eight and four schools from the old Southwest Conference. Rumblings of one school or another being courted or looking to leave have been all too common over the years. Those rumblings grew deafening in recent months, and Nebraska officials thought it best to take matters into their own hands.
The instability increased in recent years with the potential windfall to be made through television rights. But the ultra-stable Big Ten had learned how to take maximum advantage through its own television network.
NU may have been one of the first to make a move, but rest assured it won't be the last.
Q: What's the Big Ten's attraction to Nebraska? A: Nebraska has a marquee football name and tradition, a large and highly motivated fan base within the state as well as a national following. Those fans will begin turning their attention and their televisions to the Big Ten Network, which is a revenue machine. NU's improving academic climate and a like culture also helped it make a case with the Big Ten.
Q: What's in it for Nebraska? A: Long-term stability for its athletic programs, increased revenue and an affiliation with an elite group of universities — not necessarily in that order, although the athletic part of the equation has grabbed the headlines so far.
Q: What else? A: Opportunities for collaborative research with Big Ten institutions for its faculty and students as well as a potential boon to Nebraska taxpayers by creating spinoff jobs and businesses. In other words, Nebraska is now part of an academic, research and business development club that helps its members succeed and, in the process, boost their states' economic power.
Q: When does Nebraska start to compete in the Big Ten? A: July 1, 2011.
Q: What needs to happen between now and then? A: On the athletic side, a lot of work on scheduling to be ready for a Big Ten slate by 2011 — and on developing some thick skins by NU athletes and fans. Don't expect a hug from the hosts on those Big 12 road trips in 2010. On the academic side, NU might expect a warm welcome from colleagues in the Big Ten, a group of high-level universities that pride themselves on working closely together.
Q: Will Husker athletics reap a financial windfall from joining the Big Ten? A: For now, the agreement provides the same amount the university receives from the Big 12: $9.73 million in 2008-09. The existing Big Ten members would see no reduction of their share of revenues: $20 million each last year. Unlike the Big 12, the Big Ten members share revenue equally. Details of when Nebraska would become a full partner have yet to be worked out. Eventually it is expected that Nebraska will receive significantly more in the Big Ten than it would have in the Big 12.
Q: Would the university face a financial penalty for withdrawing from the Big 12? A: Setting aside the question of whether there will even be a conference to pay a penalty to ... Big 12 bylaws have a penalty structure for “withdrawing” members that leave with two years' notice and stiffer penalties for “breaching” members that leave with less than two years' notice. Nebraska doesn't think penalties will apply, but we'll all have to wait and see.
Q: Why is the conference called the Big Ten when it had 11 members and now, with Nebraska, will have 12 teams? A: It's a nationally known, iconic name in football that isn't going to change anytime soon. Even if there were 16 teams, it's going to remain the Big Ten. A little history: When the conference adopted its name in 1987 (yes, 1987), there were 10 teams. In 1990, when Penn State joined, it remained the Big Ten. Look closely at the conference logo and you will see a hidden “11” with a “1” on each side of the “T” in Ten.
Q: Is the Big Ten done growing? A: Doubtful. Many football observers believe this is just the first step in the conference adding three or more teams. Even Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany hinted Friday that the conference may be flirting with other prospective members. Let the era of mega-conferences begin, or so the theory goes.
Q: What will happen to the rest of the Big 12? A: Colorado has already announced it's leaving for the Pacific 10 Conference. Many in the Big 12 are lobbying to proceed as a 10-team conference. But reports have Texas pushing for a move to the Pac-10 — and taking a handful of teams with it — and Texas A&M considering a breakaway to the Southeastern Conference. Things are moving so fast, in fact, this answer could be outdated by the time you read it.
Q: Will the Big Ten add a football championship game? A: Commissioner Jim Delany said he presumed that his league would start a football championship game now that it will have the required minimum of 12 members to host one. Any league that holds a title game, by NCAA rules, must be split into divisions. How Big Ten schools might be split and how many conference games would be played in 2011 are to be determined.
Q: Does the switch mean Nebraska will be on TV less? A: No. In fact, it will be on television more thanks to the Big Ten Network. Nebraska fans can say goodbye to pay-per-view games.
Q. How does the Big Ten TV Network pay off for member schools? A: The Big Ten is the majority owner of the network that reaches more than 40 million homes — and growing fast. Conference schools are able to share equally in the network revenue.
Q: What exactly is the Big Ten Network and how do I get it? A: The network shows live events, old games and original programming from member institutions 24 hours a day. As for getting the channel, it depends on where you live. Cox Communications in Omaha offers it for about $4 more than a digital package. Time Warner Cable in Lincoln and Charter Communications in North Platte and Scottsbluff do not offer it, but that could change quickly. Other viewing options include DirecTV and Dish Network.
Q: What happens to Nebraska Educational Telecommunications broadcasts of NU games, such as volleyball and softball? A: It will have to be negotiated with the Big Ten, but there's a good chance the broadcasts could continue if NET and the Big Ten come to an agreement about sharing video.
Q. What happens to the football schedule? A: Nebraska won't necessarily have to break any nonconference football contracts, even with only one year to get into the Big Ten. While the conference schedule still must be worked out, NU will try to schedule seven home games a year, and sometimes eight.
Q: Will Nebraska still be able to schedule games against its former rivals? A: Absolutely. But don't expect NU to stray from its common practice of playing only one power conference team a year outside its league.
Q: Who might be Nebraska's rivals in the new Big Ten? A: The Iowa Hawkeyes are the logical choice because of proximity. Plus, they are pretty good, in case you haven't noticed. And expect the excitement to build when Nebraska plays the league's traditional powers: Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. Wisconsin currently enjoys lofty status, as well.
Q: What are the closest/farthest schools in the Big Ten? A: The closest is Iowa. It's about a five-hour road trip from Lincoln to Iowa City. The farthest is Penn State. A Husker fan in Lincoln would have to log more than 17 hours behind the wheel to get to State College.
Q: Does basketball matter in any of this? A: How to say this politely for the benefit of hoops fans? No. Football (and all its revenue) is driving the bus when it comes to conference realignment.
Q: What about volleyball? A: It certainly isn't driving realignment, but with NU's move to the Big Ten there is a heavyweight rivalry ready to be unleashed between Nebraska and Penn State.
Compiled by Robynn Tysver and Thad Livingston
What might the change mean for Nebraska's other sports? Turn to Pages 8C and 9C in Sports
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
