Editorial: Big Ten deal looks good (for Nebraska)

There's a powerful case in favor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln joining the Big Ten Conference. The Journal Star editorial board sees it this way:

Reasons to join.

- The money is better. As a Big 12 member, the Huskers collect $7 million to $12 million a year in revenue. Big Ten members currently collect $20 million to $22 million a year. Helping to fuel the revenue stream is the Big Ten Network.

Since the television network was founded in 2007, it rapidly has grown to a juggernaut valued at more than $2.8 billion.

The network, a joint venture between the Big Ten, which owns 51 percent, and Fox Cable Networks, broadcasts hundreds of Big Ten games every year, including 35 to 40 football games, men's and women's basketball games and sports that traditionally do not generate revenue, such as softball and baseball.

- The academic environment is better. As the Journal Star reported last month, the Big Ten is home to many of the best research universities in the country.

All 11 members of the Big Ten are ranked among the nation's top 30 universities by U.S. News. In contrast, the magazine's well-known rankings included only Texas and Texas A&M from the Big 12 in that group.

The Big Ten encourages academic collaboration among its members. Penn State's reputation has benefited since it joined in 1990. "I think that in the time that we have joined the Big Ten, the value of our affiliation has become even more apparent to faculty and students - who are provided with more opportunities for research and recognition," Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers said.

- Joining the Big Ten offers stability. Even if UNL stays in the Big 12, the continued existence of the conference is by no means assured. The lure of bigger money may tempt other members to abandon the Big 12.

Reason against joining.

- Really the only reason is tradition. The Big 12 includes schools in the former Big Eight, with whom the Huskers have been competing for decades. If the Huskers leave for the Big Ten, they never again could compete with the Oklahoma Sooners for the conference championship. That storied rivalry, including the 1971 "Game of the Century," would be history.

Some argue, in fact, that a decision by Nebraska would create a domino effect that would be the end of college football as we know it. If the Huskers leave the Big 12 for the Big Ten, the argument goes, the move would trigger a national realignment into four superconferences.

But change is a constant in life. An opportunity with this many advantages might not recur. If the University of Nebraska regents are offered a chance to join the Big Ten, and there are no surprises in the fine print, they ought to vote yes.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star. June 9, 2010.