and night games are the only draw to the pac 12. If ESPN can secure of contract with UO and UW, then they will at least receive short term benefits, even if they do eventually leave the Big 10. But if UO and UW aren't will to sign anything with ESPN because they are still holding out for that B1G invite, then ESPN doesn't get value.

In short, it becomes more advantageous to get UO and UW to sign something quick for ESPN, so ESPN may be more willing to up their price to ensure the deal gets done.