ESPN responds to Big 12 allegations

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ESPN hit back at the Big 12 on Thursday with a letter disputing the claims of the conference and Commissioner Bob Bowlsby.

The Big 12 sent ESPN a cease-and-desist letter on Wednesday saying the network “has taken certain steps that are intended not only to harm the Big 12 Conference, but to result in financial benefits for ESPN.” The Big 12 also said ESPN was working with an anonymous American conference, according to sources from Yahoo Sports, to absorb the remaining Big 12 members after Texas and Oklahoma left for the SEC.

ESPN said Thursday that the Big 12’s claims were without merit.

The accusations you have made are completely unfounded, “said a letter from ESPN’s Burke Magnus to the Big 12.” Aside from a single vague allegation that ESPN has been actively engaged in discussions with at least one other conference Anonymous, which ESPN disputes, your letter consists entirely of unsubstantiated speculation and legal conclusions. To be clear, ESPN has not engaged in any improper behavior, and therefore, there is nothing to stop and give up.

We hope that will resolve the matter. ESPN reserves all rights and remedies in connection with this matter.

ESPN owns SEC Network and other TV rights.

ESPN owns the SEC Network and the ACC Network and would benefit from the addition of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC. While ESPN owns some of the Big 12 football rights, Fox is the primary rights holder in the league and has first choice in the Big 12 games as well as the Big Ten games.

Adding OU and Texas would mean ESPN would pay more for SEC rights, but also have more inventory and the ability to charge more for ads and subscriptions. A Big 12 disbandment would also mean that ESPN would not be responsible for the remainder of its television contract with the conference.

Here’s what Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel wrote about the situation on Wednesday night.

Lawyers, increase your billable hours. Bowlsby has made it clear that he is dying to go to court, would love to drop you off and look forward to reading all of your texts and emails. Do you let it go on or do you call your partner? a Big 12 source asked. Even though they’re our TV partner I’m not sure they’re helping us at this point.

The story continues

Bowlsby’s allegations were clear that the alleged ESPN maneuvers were designed to cause a chain reaction of net financial losses to destroy the Big 12. ESPN was trying to disband the league and bring Oklahoma and Texas to the top. SEC earlier, avoid paying exit fees and authorize the grant. media rights to fizzle out with the league.

SEC chairmen are meeting Thursday afternoon to potentially formally invite OU and UT to join the conference. From there, the boards of the two schools meet on Friday where they could accept the invitation and begin the legal wrangling that is expected to arise.

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