AAC upcoming TV deal will have huge ramifications for UConn, league

[AZHuskiePop]

Good post Jim. That was my thought, that Amazon, etc. might want to grab some of the AAC to begin proving their reach and value in contemplation of going after the bigger fish later.

With the right promotion little fish can become big fish.
I can’t believe how short the memories of BY ‘s are.
The Big East was comprised of Eastern teams who really hadn’t been Nationally Competitive since the early 50’s.
Catching that new media called cable and that network called ESPN they become among the most powerful and recognizable names in the country. That why we were so resented and derided. The Nuovo never are accepted.
Predicting the next format could make a league the 1970’s Big East. story of the 2020’s. Properly promoter there is little to prevent a simalar ascension.
When you look at markets the AAC is better positioned than the B12 or ACC . Promotion and on field or on court performance can change that perception in a heartbeat. Look Nova has single handily changed the perception of the NBE. It’s doable.

 

[whaler11]

Have you looked at CBS Saturday night Fall ratings? They are generally the 3rd or 4th ranked network for the key demographic, 18-49 year olds. They attract viewers (maybe 3.5 million a night), but they are old by generally showing re-runs and 48 Hours. And, the cost of re-runs can run high as CBS doesn't usually own the content and producing original content is very expensive so they are not going to produce original content for a dead Saturday night. The only time CBS wins in the key demo is when they show SEC Saturday night football games.

I did not say the AAC ws going to be shown every Saturday night on CBS, but they could fill some slots when the SEC is not being broadcast. And, the noon slots are wide open.

Big Bang Theory re-runs are a smashing success, but content like that is expensive, and not many syndicated shows can match BBT's draw. And, it is only a 30 minute show.

And you improve their ratings by showing the fourth/fifth best game in the window? The affiliates literally would not participate.

Saturday nights have great matchups on ABC/ESPN - and CBS is going to counter with Houston/Temple?

There is no way anyone is bidding to put the AAC on network TV beyond the handful of games that end up on ABC. It’s like 5 games, regional and a bone that ESPN throws them.

 

[whaler11]

Why would anyone want to be on Amazon over ESPN+ anyway if we are talking streaming. ESPN pushes you during all their programming. Someplace like Amazon they dump you into the inventory that has no relationship to sports at all.

 

[Guapo]

Why would anyone want to be on Amazon over ESPN+ anyway if we are talking streaming. ESPN pushes you during all their programming. Someplace like Amazon they dump you into the inventory that has no relationship to sports at all.

Amazon is going to take over the world.

ESPN...isn't

 

[BlueMAB]

No one is paying $50/mo for Netflix sports. People will pay $20 though. Look at Sling

The basic package on Sling is $20-$25, the sports package is only another $5/month

 

[whaler11]

Amazon is going to take over the world.

ESPN...isn't

Do you not see the problem with the endgame then? We are also talking about the 2020 contract not 2030 or 2040.

 

[Guapo]

Do you not see the problem with the endgame then? We are also talking about the 2020 contract not 2030 or 2040.

To quote Tony Soprano:

It's good to get in on the ground floor.

 

[whaler11]

To quote Tony Soprano:

It's good to get in on the ground floor.

And when you can’t recruit anyone because nobody see the games....

 

[Stinger92860]

>>Besides the league’s recent success in football and other sports, Aresco believes there are several other factors that will get the AAC a significantly better TV pact this time around.

Back in 2013, instability was still running rampant in college sports — and nowhere more so than in what was still called the Big East. West Virginia had left the year before, and Syracuse was in its final season. Louisville and Rutgers would be sticking around for just one more year.

Worse, the so-called “Catholic 7” was still in limbo, having already announced that they would be breaking off from the rest of the league, but still unsure when. Ultimately, they were gone the following season, as well — taking the Big East name with them in exchange for a monetary payout to the remaining schools.<<

>>“There was disarray,” Aresco noted. “We were victims in the upheaval resulting from conference realignment. It was the worst time for negotiations. We weren’t sure about membership, nobody knew what we had. They didn’t know what we had in football.”<<

I just read the link. I don’t see any other outcome besides we are screwed.

 

[Guapo]

And when you can’t recruit anyone because nobody see the games....

C'mon I'm obviously being facetious.

Go read my other posts in this thread, I'm more on your side (in this one instance) than not.

 

[Hurleyman216]

Why would anyone want to be on Amazon over ESPN+ anyway if we are talking streaming. ESPN pushes you during all their programming. Someplace like Amazon they dump you into the inventory that has no relationship to sports at all.

Because 5-10 years from now ESPN might not exist, but I would bet my life savings that Amazon will still be around. I guess this is a lot like saying 15 years ago "Why would anyone rent movies from a place other than Blockbuster?". You would sound pretty stupid saying that in hindsight. The future isn't in cable networks, it's in ala carte streaming and letting consumers pick their content. Some of the cable companies might exist 10 years from now, but their products won't look anything like cable does now. I know it seems crazy, but the media is evolving and technology is changing. We might very soon be looking back at ESPN much like we did MTV. MTV ruled the media in the 80's/90's and today it is nothing.

 

[whaler11]

Because 5-10 years ago ESPN might not exist, but I would bet my life savings that Amazon will still be around. I guess this is a lot like saying 15 years ago "Why would anyone rent movies from a place other than Blockbuster?". You would sound pretty stupid saying that in hindsight. The future isn't in cable networks, it's in ala carte streaming and letting consumers pick their content. Some of the cable companies might exist 10 years from now, but their products won't look anything like cable does now. I know it seems crazy, but the media is evolving and technology is changing. We might very soon be looking back at ESPN much like we did MTV. MTV ruled the media in the 80's/90's and today it is nothing.

So you don’t know what ESPN+ is?

Do you know what MLBAM developed, who they sold it to and who uses it?

Do you have WatchESPN? You can watch all 16 Wimbledon courts today online.

It’s frigging Disney - the whole world is waiting to see what the streaming outlet they are building for their own Disney content. Did you notice they are buying Fox?

I know it’s cool to predict ESPN’s demise but Disney owns the best in class technology and they are light years ahead today.

 

[Guapo]

Because 5-10 years from now ESPN might not exist, but I would bet my life savings that Amazon will still be around. I guess this is a lot like saying 15 years ago "Why would anyone rent movies from a place other than Blockbuster?". You would sound pretty stupid saying that in hindsight. The future isn't in cable networks, it's in ala carte streaming and letting consumers pick their content. Some of the cable companies might exist 10 years from now, but their products won't look anything like cable does now. I know it seems crazy, but the media is evolving and technology is changing. We might very soon be looking back at ESPN much like we did MTV. MTV ruled the media in the 80's/90's and today it is nothing.

ESPN will still be in existence 10 years from now.

Its business model could very well be different; I could see "ESPN+" (or whatever it's called then, maybe just mainline "ESPN") being an a la carte option on a Netflix or Amazon streaming service.

 

[Hurleyman216]

So you don’t know what ESPN+ is?

ESPN+ might be too little, too late. ESPN has been overpaying for contracts and they are broke. Have you been living under a rock for the past 5 years? If ESPN and Amazon got into a bidding war over sporting content (you pick what sport) who do you think would win that bidding war? Just because you don't see it happening doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. You think CVS thought their stock was going to drop by 7% in one day last week? No, they probably didn't, they probably also didn't think that Amazon was going to buy their way into the pharmaceutical business. Hell, here's another possibility for you...Amazon could essentially buy ESPN whenever they wanted. You're talking about an $830 billion company in Amazon. For comparison, ESPN is accounts for 40% of Disney's profits. Disney is huge, it's $150 billion company (5X smaller than Amazon). It might not be Amazon, it could be Google, could be Apple or Youtube. Open your mind to the fact that the future of sports media is not going to look like it does today.

 

[Hurleyman216]

It’s frigging Disney - the whole world is waiting to see what the streaming outlet they are building for their own Disney content. Did you notice they are buying Fox?

See that's the other problem. If they're so far ahead of everyone, why are we all waiting to see what kind of streaming outlet Disney comes out with? I'm not arguing that Disney isn't a great company, but they are not ahead of everyone in terms of streaming content. Their biggest value is still in creating great content for kids and brainwashing them into going to their theme parks and spending all of the their $$ for the rest of their lives.

 

[Guapo]

ESPN+ might be too little, too late. ESPN has been overpaying for contracts and they are broke. Have you been living under a rock for the past 5 years? If ESPN and Amazon got into a bidding war over sporting content (you pick what sport) who do you think would win that bidding war? Just because you don't see it happening doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. You think CVS thought their stock was going to drop by 7% in one day last week? No, they probably didn't, they probably also didn't think that Amazon was going to buy their way into the pharmaceutical business. Hell, here's another possibility for you...Amazon could essentially buy ESPN whenever they wanted. You're talking about an $830 billion company in Amazon. For comparison, ESPN is accounts for 40% of Disney's profits. Disney is huge, it's $150 billion company (5X smaller than Amazon). It might not be Amazon, it could be Google, could be Apple or Youtube. Open your mind to the fact that the future of sports media is not going to look like it does today.

I think that Amazon buying ESPN is a very possible outcome.

Twitter also deserpatly needs someway to justify its existence to share holders.

I could very easily see broadcasting content, sports and non sports alike, as a way for them to monetize their relavency.

 

[Guapo]

See that's the other problem. If they're so far ahead of everyone, why are we all waiting to see what kind of streaming outlet Disney comes out with? I'm not arguing that Disney isn't a great company, but they are not ahead of everyone in terms of streaming content. Their biggest value is still in creating great content for kids and brainwashing them into going to their theme parks and spending all of the their $$ for the rest of their lives.

Hey man, I'm trying to help you out in this argument.

Disney is the world's largest media conglomerate.

Their value is so much more than children's movies and theme parks.

They could close the theme parks and be just as powerful.

 

[whaler11]

ESPN+ might be too little, too late. ESPN has been overpaying for contracts and they are broke. Have you been living under a rock for the past 5 years? If ESPN and Amazon got into a bidding war over sporting content (you pick what sport) who do you think would win that bidding war? Just because you don't see it happening doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. You think CVS thought their stock was going to drop by 7% in one day last week? No, they probably didn't, they probably also didn't think that Amazon was going to buy their way into the pharmaceutical business. Hell, here's another possibility for you...Amazon could essentially buy ESPN whenever they wanted. You're talking about an $830 billion company in Amazon. For comparison, ESPN is accounts for 40% of Disney's profits. Disney is huge, it's $150 billion company (5X smaller than Amazon). It might not be Amazon, it could be Google, could be Apple or Youtube. Open your mind to the fact that the future of sports media is not going to look like it does today.

Broke is strong.

Follow your own logic though - if ESPN’s financials fall apart over content costs - even with tens of millions of non-users subsidizing them... how does Amazon make money by outbidding them?

No kidding things are going to change but are talking about a contract that is going to get signed in about 12 months and amazon has a couple dozen EPL games.

There isn’t even any reason to think they have interest in a marginal college sports conference other than people here hope they do.

ESPN might not exist in 2035 - great whatever. You still need to recruit players to participate in your 2022 season and if your games aren’t available to people you can’t do that.

I do enjoy this false choice that doesn’t exist. Maybe google wants in too - we should sleep on them.

 

[Guapo]

Broke is strong.

Follow your own logic though - if ESPN’s financials fall apart over content costs - even with tens of millions of non-users subsidizing them... how does Amazon make money by outbidding them?

No kidding things are going to change but are talking about a contract that is going to get signed in about 12 months and amazon has a couple dozen EPL games.

There isn’t even any reason to think they have interest in a marginal college sports conference other than people here hope they do.

ESPN might not exist in 2035 - great whatever. You still need to recruit players to participate in your 2022 season and if your games aren’t available to people you can’t do that.

I do enjoy this false choice that doesn’t exist. Maybe google wants in too - we should sleep on them.

Lol honest question @whaler11 (and I really don't mean this as an attack, I'm genuinely curious) if you have such a big, important job; why/how do you expend so much time and energy trying to reign in people's wild speculation on an Internet fan forum?

 

[Hurleyman216]

ESPN is going broke because they overpay for content and the cable subscription model isn’t what people want anymore. I’m a Red Sox fan and I’m more than happy to pay for NESN, but right now cable makes me pay to watch the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets. That pisses a lot of people off and hurts cable subscribers which hurts ESPNs bottom line.

There’s a tipping point of what people will pay, and the fact is cable companies are now charging $200 or more a month for what used to be $25. For avid sports fans they will shell out the $$, but for casual sports watchers the model doesn’t work. It’s not completely about the cost of the contracts, it’s how it’s being delivered and offering consumers a choice in what they pay for. Cable TV is like socialism, it’s great for broadcast channels that no one watches, but terrible for all the rest.

 

[whaler11]

Lol honest question @whaler11 (and I really don't mean this as an attack, I'm genuinely curious) if you have such a big, important job; why/how do you expend so much time and energy trying to reign in people's wild speculation on an Internet fan forum?

I’m off today still recovering from surgery.

I do something different now anyway where I spend the entire day on conference calls that aren’t always compelling. I do most of my real work at night or super early in the morning when there aren’t distractions.

 

[Guapo]

I’m off today still recovering from surgery.

I do something different now anyway where I spend the entire day on conference calls that aren’t always compelling. I do most of my real work at night or super early in the morning when there aren’t distractions.

I've never agreed with you more.

 

[Hoophound]

People that make a good living often have a lot of free time because no one is watching their every move all day. Some use it to play golf or go boating, others read the internet.

 

[Hurleyman216]

People that make a good living often have a lot of free time because no one is watching their every move all day. Some use it to play golf or go boating, others read the internet.

I always knew whaler and “the Donald” had a lot in common, but never realized until now that they are the same person. Whaler (I mean Mr. President), I apologize for anything bad I’ve ever said about you.

 

[Pudge]

When did they ever say the schools get t3 rights back?

Is anyone other than me going to actually name a second bidder that is going to drive things to 120 million a year?

The absolute best realistic thing I can dream up is Sinclair buys the Fox RSNs and bid using that ‘network’ plus the OTA Sinclair affiliates and their Stadium streaming platform.

Now keep in mind ASN went belly-up and got rolled into Stadium so it’s not something that worked before.

This is the reality - not Netflix or Amazon.

Here's a simple rule of Value.

It is not about not having a second bidder. It is the fact that ONE Product (AAC football and basketball) having 1/20th (or less) the annual or per game payment than the ACC/B12/Pac12 ... and still filling like time content during the prime viewing.

You think the less than $3m per school was fair. It never was. The Network got a bargain. This time they are going to pay a smidge more ... and love it. Because REGARDLESS of where we are watching the streaming (Netflix, Amazon or whatever you dream), there still are eyeballs willing to watch a solid UCF team play whomever ... or Houston ... or UConn (if we rise to 2009 level). I think sports executives know that. So, lacking a second bidder is not as important as putting AAC College Football (think USF v UCF) or AAC College Basketball (UConn v Temple) on for that Saturday ... versus WNBA or Australian Footie or whatever.

 

[Pudge]

I always knew whaler and “the Donald” had a lot in common, but never realized until now that they are the same person. Whaler (I mean Mr. President), I apologize for anything bad I’ve ever said about you.

Like Harley Davidson OR Amazon/Washington Post ... he is going to go after you and raise your taxes.

 

[Hurleyman216]

I also really hope that UConn is doing their due diligence to negotiate how UConn will get paid vs. the rest of the AAC teams. The reality is, even with the couple of down years we’ve had in MBB the last few years, the “value” we bring to the AAC is probably something like 50% of the total contract if not more. So, hoping our president and AD are smart enough to go back to the AAC and negotiate. Our tv deal should look more like Texas’ deal with the Big 12

 

[Guapo]

I also really hope that UConn is doing their due diligence to negotiate how UConn will get paid vs. the rest of the AAC teams. The reality is, even with the couple of down years we’ve had in MBB the last few years, the “value” we bring to the AAC is probably something like 50% of the total contract if not more. So, hoping our president and AD are smart enough to go back to the AAC and negotiate. Our tv deal should look more like Texas’ deal with the Big 12

I'd like to think that's what the "whispers" to Rothstein about the NBE are about.

 

[JMick]

I also really hope that UConn is doing their due diligence to negotiate how UConn will get paid vs. the rest of the AAC teams. The reality is, even with the couple of down years we’ve had in MBB the last few years, the “value” we bring to the AAC is probably something like 50% of the total contract if not more. So, hoping our president and AD are smart enough to go back to the AAC and negotiate. Our tv deal should look more like Texas’ deal with the Big 12

Texas has a lot of leverage. They could pick whatever conference they want to be in. On the other hand, we are still stuck in purgatory with no end in sight. It's a hard sell unless we're serious about dropping football

 

[gampelcrazies]

I'd like to think that's what the "whispers" to Rothstein about the NBE are about.

I think there’s a deal in place for UConn to go back if this contract doesn’t pan out