of ESPN’s power over their situation that all they care about is not angering the ESPN gods. Such an incredibly weak move by the PAC.

If they had more courage and were willing to use what little power they have left, the smarter move would be to respond to ESPN with a polite message that the PAC is always willing to listen to anything ESPN wants to propose and still hopes the two parties can reach a deal but that, given the circumstances, the PAC cannot continue to ignore inquiries from other networks.

But maybe they know (and they know ESPN knows) there will never be any interest from any other networks.

Or maybe ESPN has given the PAC a number and told them it is a floor but, if they agree to extend the exclusive window, there is a chance the number could go higher. And the PAC desperately needs the number to go higher.