Here is my understanding... Third tier rights belong to ESPN and they can do what they want with them. Apparently that includes subleasing them to another entity like Raycom. Based on the interview with Farmer today I don't think the commissioners office or other schools really have a grasp on that concept.
Along comes Raycom to offer a deal to ESPN3. We will provide all the resources including the talent in exchange for providing over the air broadcast for the McNeese game. ESPN3 still gets their online content but now they don't have the associated expenses of the broadcast.
So as I understand it right now any entity can negotiate with ESPN3 to broadcast any of our games (or any other SBC team since this is a conference contract) and if they do it twelve days out they have the right to dictate our kickoff time as well.
Look at the bright side.... someone wants to broadcast our games!! ;-0
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