Texas Senate Hosts Hearing with State’s Big 12 Schools
The Texas Senate is set to hold a hearing on Monday afternoon with the state’s Big 12 schools in the wake of Oklahoma and Texas leaving for the SEC, according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram.
Representatives from TCU, Texas Tech, Baylor, Texas and the Big 12 are expected to speak during the hearing, which begins at at 1 p.m. on Monday in Austin.
The economic impact is expected to be the center of the discussion, as it’s been estimated not having those three schools in a power conference could cost the state of Texas over $500 million in revenue.
The Perryman Group evaluated two scenarios in which the Big 12 remains intact without high-profile programs in UT and OU, or if the schools end up in a non-power conference. Here’s what their data showed: The Big 12 staying intact would result in a total annual loss in the three communities of $397.7 million in annual gross product and 5,322 jobs. If teams end up in lesser conferences, the combined loss would be $569.1 million in annual gross product and 7,615 jobs.
Those scheduled to speak include from TCU, chancellor Victor Boschini and athletic director Jeremiah Donati. From Texas Tech will be president Lawrence Schovanec and AD Kirby Hocutt. The Baylor crew will consist of president Linda Livingstone and AD Mack Rhoades. Then the hearing will feature UT president Jay Hartzel, along with Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby.
A reminder and flashback 25 years, it was the Texas Senate that essentially forced the move of Baylor and Texas Tech into the Big 12, as there was plenty of political power that helped make that happen.
While no one is forcing any programs into the SEC in today’s environment, don’t overlook the political angle in college realignment. Let’s see if that ball starts rolling today.
