Originally Posted by
steelerfan
You're assuming the networks pay based on who is playing.
First, I'm certain the networks don't pay any more or less to air, for example, the Sugar Bowl based on who is in the game. Those contracts are worked out years in advance. Yes, if the MNC had 4 or 5 crappy match ups (which drew low ratings) in a row, it would affect the next TV deal but not significantly. Second, as I said, UM and ND have been average/bad for a few years and UT was 5-7 last year. That didn't cause the NCAA any sleepless nights though. The money keeps being printed at the same rate.
Ultimately, the way it works is that a network commits to pay $X million to air the BCS games (for example) several years before the games take place. When gameday actually arrives, the network is on the hook for that money regardless of whether it's OSU vs UT or it's Nevada vs WVU. The NCAA has made their money (just hasn't received it) years before the match up is set. The ones who sweat about having a huge match up are the network guys. They gave to be able to sell advertising time for enough $ to make a profit over what they paid to air the game. And, for them, offering Coca Cola a 30-second ad with a huge price tag is easier with OSU/UT than it is with Nevada/WVU.