What's Happening?
FOX Sports has exercised a 'footprint clause' in its media rights agreement with the Big East Conference, preventing St. John's University from participating in the CBS Sports Classic. This decision comes
despite St. John's interest and national appeal under coach Rick Pitino. The clause designates games involving Big East schools within certain geographic or contractual parameters as FOX properties. St. John's had previously played against Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic, a matchup that was significant for Pitino, who has ties to the Kentucky program. With UCLA opting out of future editions of the event through 2029, St. John's was considered a logical replacement, especially with this year's games scheduled at Madison Square Garden. However, due to the FOX agreement, Kansas will replace UCLA and face Ohio State, while North Carolina will meet Kentucky.
Why It's Important?
The decision by FOX Sports to block St. John's from the CBS Sports Classic highlights the complexities and competitive nature of media rights agreements in college sports. This move underscores the influence of television networks in determining the participation of teams in high-profile events, which can impact the visibility and recruitment potential of college programs. For St. John's, being sidelined from such a prestigious event could affect its national exposure and the ability to showcase its talent on a larger stage. The situation also reflects the broader dynamics of media rights in college athletics, where contractual obligations can override sporting considerations.
What's Next?
With St. John's unable to participate in the CBS Sports Classic, Kansas has stepped in to fill the vacancy left by UCLA. The event will proceed with Kansas facing Ohio State and North Carolina playing against Kentucky at Madison Square Garden. For St. John's, the focus will likely shift to other opportunities to gain national exposure and compete against top-tier programs. The university and its supporters may also seek to renegotiate or challenge the terms of the media rights agreement in the future to allow for more flexibility in participating in such events.
