ScottyBuff
Well-Known Member
The connection between Weiberg and the Big 12 is all the more interesting given the current "expansion" mania.
I recently ran across this article that didn't seem to hold as much meaning at the time it was published, but seems prophetic now:
from 6/22/2007
Big 12 Insider: Weiberg's decision curious (to leave the Big 12)
He left the position to become VP of Planning for the Big Ten Network (prior to joining the Big 12 he was associate commish and deputy commish of the Big Ten Conference).
Seems like mission accomplished there!
Now he is the deputy commish of the Pac Ten Conference
Pac-10 hires former Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg as deputy commissioner
I'm not sure if that creates a positive or negative environment for Colorado, Texas, or Texas A&M as potential Pac Ten expansion targets; but certainly he has an insider insight into the "backdoor" dealings of those universities and their presidents. He also would have a greater understanding of what the Big Ten might really be looking at doing in expansion as he was heavily involved in the Penn State expansion; therefore he can position the Pac Ten better than the Big 12 can.
I recently ran across this article that didn't seem to hold as much meaning at the time it was published, but seems prophetic now:
from 6/22/2007
Big 12 Insider: Weiberg's decision curious (to leave the Big 12)
But the makeup of the conference ensured that Weiberg’s job was a difficult one, fraught with backbiting as he attempted to build unity. It’s been that way since he took the job nine years ago. And it appears that Weiberg finally had enough
Weiberg had hoped that revenue sharing would be discussed at the conference’s most recent meetings, feeling that the conference is only as strong as its weakest financial member. But the issue wasn’t even discussed, mainly because the bylaws require a “super majority” of nine schools to approve any change in the league’s bylaws
“I’m a proponent of more equal revenue sharing on the television front,” Weiberg said. “I’m certain that issue will have to be aired out fully, and maybe the new person will have a good opportunity to do that.”
He left the position to become VP of Planning for the Big Ten Network (prior to joining the Big 12 he was associate commish and deputy commish of the Big Ten Conference).
Weiberg’s new job will be a tough one as he attempts to sell the Big Ten’s new cable network as a national network.
Seems like mission accomplished there!
Now he is the deputy commish of the Pac Ten Conference
Pac-10 hires former Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg as deputy commissioner
Two topics that no doubt will occupy some of Weiberg's time: the possibility of conference expansion and a potential league TV network.
The Big Ten is currently weighing the expansion issue, and that move could have a ripple effect on other major conferences. Weiberg was deputy to Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany from 1989 to 1998, and a Pac-10 statement says Weiberg "was instrumental in the integration of Penn State into the conference."
Weiberg, 53, also worked 18 months for the Big Ten Network, a venture that will pay that conference $2.8 billion over 25 years and helps expose nonrevenue sports, one of Scott's avowed goals for the Pac-10.
"I left it feeling pretty good about the potential such a network carries," Weiberg said. "It's a wonderful way for universities to extend their brand, and it's great exposure for sports that don't receive much of it.
I'm not sure if that creates a positive or negative environment for Colorado, Texas, or Texas A&M as potential Pac Ten expansion targets; but certainly he has an insider insight into the "backdoor" dealings of those universities and their presidents. He also would have a greater understanding of what the Big Ten might really be looking at doing in expansion as he was heavily involved in the Penn State expansion; therefore he can position the Pac Ten better than the Big 12 can.
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