If Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy had his wish, he’d eliminate the Longhorn Network. In an interview with CBS Sports, Gundy says the LHN has been a failure, and in order for the Big 12 to avoid future instability, it needs to create a conference-wide Big 12 Network and market itself better.
LHN has reportedly lost $48 million since launching in 2011. Both ESPN and Texas remain committed to the 20-year, $295 million agreement that would pay the school an average of $15 million per year.
Gundy says that the failure of the network and the growth of other conferences through the media has had a negative effect on recruiting too.
“You are getting the SEC Network, the Big Ten Network, and the Pac[-12 Network, and until we come together as a group and find a financial solution to eliminating the Longhorn Network, there will be issues.”
Oklahoma President and former Governor David Boren shares a similar opinion to Gundy. The league is currently having discussions on a number of subjects to help the conference, including possibly adding a championship game. If it does any or all of the three — expansion, network, league championship game — it would most likely be announced during the summer.
Credit to CBS Sports who first reported this information
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
