Big 12 Presidents, Athletic Directors to Meet About Gonzaga

The Big 12 presidents and athletic directors are scheduled to meet beginning Thursday in Dallas-Fort Worth and among the items on the agenda is the league’s interest in Gonzaga.

CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd reported on the main agenda items from the meetings, which will take place and from the DFW Airport Grand Hyatt.

His report says Gonzaga’s discussion is about potential membership.

Gonzaga athletic director John Standiford and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark have met at least twice in the past four months about the Big 12 which hosts the nationally ranked Bulldogs, who are members of the West Coast Conference.

Gonzaga has been the subject of realignment rumors for the past few years, with the school being connected to the Big 12, Big East and Pac-12, with the latter being the best geographic option.

Among the potential problems Dodd highlights in the article:

Gonzaga receives a weighted share of NCAA Tournament revenue from the WCC, since the Bulldogs generate most of it (this revenue is based on how far the league teams have traveled in the tournament). The Big 12 shares revenue from its NCAA tournaments equally.

Gonzaga has his own television contract with ESPN and CBS until 2026-27. The Big 12 has negotiated a new deal with ESPN and FOX that begins in 2025.

Finding a home for Gonzaga’s Olympic sports may be a challenge if the WCC is unwilling to continue allowing the Bulldogs to be members in those sports.

Power 5 leagues tend to share revenue equally because all of them play football. Gonzaga’s lack of a football program will be a revenue barrier.

And, Standiford may not be the final decision maker in Gonzaga. Bulldogs basketball coach Mark Few could end up being the one giving thumbs up or thumbs down, according to Dodd.

You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard