The escalator clause implies the networks have the ability to air additional games, so they aren’t paying more for the same number of games. What Dodd is essentially saying is that there may still be additional inventory once that capacity is reached. For example, XYZ is contracted to air 8 units but has the capacity to air 10 units. The conference expands creating 12 units. XYZ will pick up the two additional units paying the same per unit cost as it already has been. The conference then sells the excess 2 units to DEF network.

The escalator clause probably applies more to FS1, the BTN, CBS College Sports, and Peacock slots where those additional late night games would be most likely aired.