Let’s put it this way…
The big pee12 CBS announcement (without any accompanying figures) which is very similar to the previous MWC media deal with CBS has already counted the games to be televised in that deal.
Anything can be written into a contract (like exit the MWC and pay $18 million) and negotiated later so you have to figure CBS isn’t going to be modifying the deal because it was most likely already spelled out having at least 8 teams and you get X amount and coverage because the pee12 has to have 8 members by July 1, 2026 or they aren’t an eligible conference. CBS doesn’t give a rats butt if you pay BSU more than USU or if Gonzaga and SDSU get a basketball kickback other than they agree to feature these teams as results support but regardless the pee12 is getting paid X $$. They have already committed to a deal. The pee12 couldn’t wait to spread the word (except for the value) because they will be splitting the CBS deal however they deem necessary to assemble their conference. It was put together with only 7 teams and there isn’t any team besides UNLV or Memphis that would tip the scale upwards anyway.
Before getting too enamored with NDSU keep in mind that they are 0-2 against FBS teams since 2015 after winning 5 in a row. If ndsu was so valuable to a media deal they would have been signing a BSU type deal with the pee12 prior to now. Besides, Wyoming is one of the four FBS teams to beat NDSU since 2008. NDSU has a lucrative deal with Learfield beyond the typical FCS program but is still at half the current MWC member. NDSU is on ESPN+ or when it is a FCS feature game date. They are currently swimming in less media cash than Wyoming.
I do agree that adding Texas State (in process because TS is having a special vote as required by Texas law to beat the 6-30 exit deadline) is a given to make the 8 team minimum. The pee12 can always try to get Memphis or UNLV or go the FCS route but NDSU hasn’t applied to go FBS and time is running out for an FCS to be FBS eligible for 2027. Sac St hasn’t been FBS approved yet and they already begged the pee12, MWC and CUSA for inclusion being ignored every time. It’s no piece of cake transition.
You can’t count games unless you have eligible members. NDSU is almost out of time for 2027.