Why are game times always listed as “TBA”?
Any game that is listed as “TBA” on the football schedule is done so because there remains a possibility that the game could be televised. The television contract the Big 12 Conference has with its broadcast partners – currently ABC and FOX Sports Net (along with subcontracts with ESPN and Versus) – allows the networks to always televise the most compelling matchups. ABC gets to make the first selection (usually for its 2:30 p.m. CT window), followed by FSN/ESPN in a primetime window, and finally FSN/Versus for its early game that is syndicated within the Big 12 region. In general, selections are made for the first four weeks (i.e. the non-conference portion of the schedule) during the summer, and then beginning with conference play, selections are made on a 12-day window – two Mondays before kickoff. Up to three times per year, ABC has the option of exercising a 6-day window, meaning selections are not made until the Sunday prior to kickoff. For more information on the Big 12 football
