Via Fanblogs, I read that it looks like the SEC will be next to get their own channel.

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive says the league is interested in forming its own television network, an “SEC Channel” similar to the one the Big Ten has planned.

“There is an ego element to having your name on a channel,” Slive said.

The commissioner said the conference is looking into establishing a channel when the league’s television contracts expire in 2009.

“I think you’re going to find the concept of the channel has been on the drawing board for most of the conferences,” Slive told The Birmingham News in a story Thursday. “The question is really one of timing, when your own contract comes to terms so you can find out the market place.”
…
As the SEC enters TV negotiations with CBS, ESPN and Lincoln Financial Sports, it will explore the league channel option, Slive said.

“It has to be part of the overall discussion of television so you’re dealing with all your inventory,” Slive said. “We haven’t decided to do it. You need to evaluate all those relationships and whether or not in that mix it makes sense to add an SEC Channel.”

[Emphasis added.]

That chilled my bones. While the Big East has yet to announce much of the terms of its deal with the mouse channel, I have this sinking feeling that the Big East locked itself out of being able to start its own channel until the next contract — some time in 2013.

That would likely make the Big East one of the last BCS conferences to go to having its own channel. This despite the Mountain West making plans for such more than a year ago and the Big 11 rumors were swirling even while the Big East was negotiating its new deal. This is the sort of thing I mentioned a couple days ago.

I believe that Commissioner Mike Tranghese has some serious questions to answer about how he sees the marketing and growth of the league in terms of media exposure and avenues.