Just a couple of thoughts.

What if the key to getting a deal done with the Big 12 powers is something akin to this...

Texas, Texas Tech, TCU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Kansas

Here's my thinking...

I think it's possible that Texas Tech could attempt to ride the coattails of UT, , but it would be an addition purely for political reasons and not content driven.

TCU, by contrast, is in the middle of DFW which eases travel even for teams in that region of the county. Perhaps most importantly, TCU has achieved a level of consistent success that has eluded Texas Tech for the most part. It's flat out hard to recruit to Lubbock whereas TCU is swimming in the middle of one of the largest talent pools in the country.

From a political perspective though, Texas Tech could still probably influence the Legislature to force UT to take them along. Adding TCU though maximizes exposure in every major region of Texas. I think just as important, it keeps travel reasonable for the schools and fans out there. This market is truly gigantic and dominating every corner of it, I think, will pay dividends.

Kansas don't offer a lot of money here. KU by themselves is a decent property although not a windfall addition like UT or OU. I'm intrigued though by KU's decision to jack up their football spending. It's obvious that they're sending a message. What's the message though? Who is it intended for?

I think the message is that we're getting serious about generating revenue and about upping our brand value. Personally, I think the message is intended for the SEC. I think this because the B1G is allegedly already interested in what KU brings. If that's true then there's only one suitor you would need to go out of your way to impress. I also think this because of the article from a few years ago that mentioned, in passing, KU's interest in the SEC. I think they want to stay in relationship with Mizzou, OU, and probably UT as well.

Baylor is done most likely after their scandal plagued years, but having 4 TX schools in the Power leagues is a good way to retain regionalism.