BOOM: Big 12 Using the GOVERNMENT to Take Down ESPN, SEC, Big 10, KILLING College Football Playoff

In a significant February 2026 report, Sports Business Journal detailed a mounting legal and lobbying clash over the future of college football media rights. At the center of the controversy is a proposal to consolidate all 136 FBS programs into a single, "universal" television package—a move the SEC and Big Ten are aggressively fighting to dismantle. The Push for Centralization The momentum for a universal deal has been spearheaded by Cody Campbell and his organization, Saving College Sports (SCS). Their proposal argues that the current system of fragmented conference-level deals is "broken and backwards." By pooling the media rights of every FBS school under one governing entity—similar to the NFL’s model—SCS claims the industry could generate an additional $6 billion in incremental revenue. This "larger pie" would theoretically fund the rising costs of player revenue sharing and protect non-revenue Olympic sports. The SEC and Big Ten "White Paper" Rebuttal The SEC and Big Ten responded by submitting a joint 10-page white paper to Congress, authored by FTI Consulting, which labeled the pooling concept "dangerously unworkable." Their pushback is built on several key arguments: Market Devaluation: They argue that a "single-seller" regime would actually reduce revenue by eliminating the competitive bidding wars between networks (like ESPN, FOX, and NBC) that currently drive up conference prices. Loss of Autonomy: The conferences warned that a federal panel would strip universities of control over their schedules, traditional rivalries, and "local flavor" in favor of a homogenized national brand. Bureaucratic Chaos: The paper claims managing 32,000 games annually across 136 schools is a logistical impossibility for a centralized committee. The Power Struggle Critics, including Big 12 voice Drake Toll, have noted that the "Power Two" opposition is largely a defensive maneuver to protect their massive financial lead. Currently, the SEC and Big Ten are projected to double the revenue of the ACC and Big 12 over the next decade. Centralization would force a "wealth redistribution" that the top-tier programs are unwilling to accept. As of March 2026, the battle has moved to the White House, where President Trump has hosted roundtables to discuss whether the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 should be amended to allow this type of universal pooling. Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub     Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.   Mazda Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count. There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you. TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.