Stratechery Big Ten Blame
Jul 12, 2022
The discussion kicks off with Penn State's contentious entry into the Big Ten, highlighting the pushback from established teams. The evolution of television and cable networks takes center stage, revealing how economic forces shape content and advertising strategies. The impact of sports viewership sparks a deep dive into the tactics employed by giants like Disney and Fox, especially in the face of streaming challenges. Finally, the complexities of sports broadcasting rights are unraveled, critiquing major networks' roles in the financial and fan-driven dynamics of college football and the NFL.
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Penn State's Controversial Entry
- Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1990, a controversial move opposed by many.
- The author, a Wisconsin fan, resented Penn State's potential dominance.
Networks Driving Expansion
- Fox drove the Big Ten expansion, while ESPN drove the SEC expansion.
- These networks act as the "grandmasters" behind the scenes of college sports.
TV's Evolution and Sports
- TV followed radio's model of centralized content production and affiliate networks.
- Sports content became increasingly important, especially with the rise of cable and later the internet.