Big East hires TV executive Aresco as new commissioner

TV future of Big East in hands of TV executive Michael Aresco

The Big East is now in prime position to begin moving forward with their conference. As first reported by Mark Blaudschun, the Big East has hired CBS Sports Vice President Michael Aresco to take over as their new commissioner. According to a press release sent by the Big East, Aresco will begin his responsibilities in early September, which happens to be a convenient time for the Big East, with television negotiations eligible to begin starting September 1.

Think about it. If you are a conference looking to get the best possible deal in a television negotiations, wouldn’t you want to have a guy who transformed one of the leading networks in to a college sports powerhouse? Just take a look at what CBS has done in recent years, first with the SEC and with other conferences such as the Mountain West Conference and Conference USA. And do not forget the exposure the CBS brand has offered to our service academies.

Now, consider that the Big East will soon be gaining the top brands and television markets currently residing in the MWC and CUSA. Think Aresco will have a smart plan to make the Big East some good television money? I am not sure if I can think of anyone else I would want handling the negotiation for me if I was the Big East.

The following quotes were provided by the league office for the Big East via press release this afternoon.

“The search to identify the new Commissioner of The BIG EAST Conference was truly an international search,” said Greg Williams, University of Cincinnati President and Chair of the Commissioner Search Committee. “We had many outstanding candidates, but we are fortunate to have Mike Aresco as our new Commissioner. His breadth of experience and depth of knowledge in intercollegiate athletics will continue to move the BIG EAST forward on a successful path.  The BIG EAST has enjoyed a great history. Mike Aresco will help assure the conference of a vibrant future.”

“The search committee identified some truly outstanding candidates and we are most pleased that Mike Aresco will be the person who will take the BIG EAST to future success,” said Judy Genshaft, University of South Florida President and Chair of the BIG EAST CEO Executive Committee. “He has all of the characteristics that we need in a Commissioner. His career has been filled with achievement and success in intercollegiate sports. Mike Aresco knows the BIG EAST and he has a great vision for our future.”

“The Presidents have acted very responsibly,” said Interim Commissioner Joe Bailey. “They have appointed a leader with integrity, intelligence and energy. Bravo!”

Bravo indeed Big East.

Over on Crystal Ball Run I explored how this news might mean CBS becomes a viable candidate for the Big East television rights, although that may be a reach. I still consider NBC to be the leader in the clubhouse for the next Big East television deal. Who do you think winds up with the Big East television package when all is said and done? More importantly, will the Big East be able to score a bigger payout than what the ACC will receive? Imagine the reaction in ACC country (especially Pittsburgh and Syracuse) if they do.

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