I remember this detail from the most recent B1G media contract. The GoR was between the schools and The BTN rather than between the schools and the conference. This is an example of an esoteric business operation being moved from the non-profit realm to the corporate sector. I envision this as the direction we are headed for all athletics functions.
When I see that list of suitors for the B1G media rights it stirs my imagination. ESPN cannot afford to lose out on all of the B1G content. They need to be in the B1G footprint for at least one game each Saturday. Their ad rates will be seriously depressed without it. The B1G will squeeze ESPN for every penny they can get. My sinister side imagines what panic might ensue if The B1G, suddenly, out of nowhere, poached South Florida. Not a move anyone is talking about, but take a long look at USFs resume compared to UCF, Florida State, and Miami. The SEC will see the writing on the wall: The B1G is moving South. The value of UVA and UNC would skyrocket. If the SEC tries to take in all of the properties in the neighborhood, just to keep them away from The B1G, they will be adding too much redundancy. ESPN does not want more SEC content in FL, GA, SC. Their choices are:
Pay through the nose for UVA, VT, UNC, Duke, Ga Tech, Clemson, FSU etc. This dilutes the FB superiority while putting strain on the media payouts. The B1G remains well-paid and unharmed.
ESPN may simply try to bump up the payout to the entire ACC. Could they make it attractive enough to prevent movement to The B1G?
ESPN could spend whatever it takes to get a piece of The B1G content, and concede the Atlantic Seaboard to The B1G. This would, of course, be against the wishes of The SEC, and it would signal to all whether the SEC - ESPN relationship is a true partnership. ESPN would still have too much overlap in The Southeast whether The ACC schools went to The SEC or to The B1G. But if they go to The SEC, ESPN might be unable to afford to keep a part of The B1G footprint.
I'll bet the Alliance has war-gamed a zillion scenarios just like this. The SEC and ESPN and all of the other media players have done the same I'm sure. Realignment could be heating-up.