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Report: Catholic 7, FOX meeting today, like VCU as a member?

Shaka Smart

Virginia Commonwealth head coach Shaka Smart yells to his players from the sideline in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Missouri won 68-65. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

AP

There have been a couple updates in the past two days in regards to the status of the Catholic 7, the group of seven non-football playing members of the Big East that broke off from the league last month.

First and foremost, from Pete Thamel of SI.com, it appears as if VCU has become a serious candidate to be added to the conference, along with Xavier and Butler:

Sources say that talk about VCU for that spot has intensified the past few weeks, although it’s not clear how strongly VCU is being considered. VCU does not fit the template of private and religious schools. But there’s been discussion that it could be foolish to ignore VCU’s basketball success for the past decade, modern facilities and rabid fan base.

Thamel also provides some information in that report regarding a potential television contract between the new conference and FOX. A couple of notes: the league is looking for a 12-year deal worth around $3 million per school, and they are meeting today to discuss it. That’s roughly the same figure that Darren Rovell reported that the league was looking for over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Dennis Dodd reported earlier this week that the Big East, back before the Cathlolic 7 announced their split, asked for $300 million annually from ESPN. Their broadcast rights were reportedly valued around $60-$80 million a year.

You can find Rob on twitter @RobDauster.