As a BYU fan here is what I hope is the master plan (or something way more elaborate).

BYU TV building on viewership around the world. Getting BYU Tv into China in 10 years would be an incredible event. Being viewed in a country means that a fan base will start to grow in that country for the sports the population loves while interest will grow for the sports they know little about. South America loves soccer and basketball. If we can build a fan base in those countries, then we can recruit in the countries with sports camps and educational opportunities. Athletes from those countries would like to come to BYU. Their parents have conservative moral values and BYU looks like a desirable destination. BYU then sells more merchandise in those countries.

The same thing happens in Mexico (baseball, soccer), the Carribean (baseball), New Zealand and Australia (rugby), and Africa (track). If we get into China (basketball), then our marketing power is unbelievable. Universities are aware of marketing. I read a while back that BYU is only second to UCLA in the number of mainland Chinese attending the school (if that is true then it is important).

What BYU benefits from the proselytising missionaries often being students from BYU or BYU-I or BYU-Hawaii. That is getting our name out globally. With a television network promoting the brand, we would be sitting pretty with the new emphasis on eyes focused on the product.

I can honestly see a scenario in which BYU as an independent is a blessing in 10 to 15 years. If we can have viewers, recruit great athletes, and establish a brand we would be a hot commodity.