I have a theory:
ESPN & FOX, are maneuvering the brands that each has either long term leases with, or own majority interest in; as being most prominent conference champ games...
In doing so, this alleviates need at expanding CFP until after current 12 year duration ends, by "getting rid of competition" in high profile CCG's that may keep (i.e. tOSU) out...
The twist, ESPN & FOX putting pressure on XII & PAC: align best brands (i.e. USC/Oklahoma/Texas), under one of those networks, increase visibility/revenues by mid-2020's...
While also ensuring higher probability: B1G - gaining invite to CFP *(current 2 year drought)/ ESPN - gaining invite for 2nd team ^[SEC] and/or access for ~[ACC & Notre Dame]...
Could one of FAANG companies look to "test the market" on XII conference championship game content, but how will that impact OU & UT in CFP selections..?
The market may have popped, as mentioned before, (traditional) networks not having an endless supply of cash, to "manufacture" rivalries as Nebraska-Illinois...
This also proves likelihood of PAC selling a % of network to a "willing" bidder is unlikely, as content can be had to place in a better "package" in the mid-2020's...
The major networks will not be willing to pay B1G (14)/ SEC (14)/ XII (10)/ PAC (12), 50 teams P5 revenues; as pay networks continue to lose subscribers, the only league that may be immune to not losing revenue in next contract w/o adding: SEC...