Big East had around 110 million in the bank from bowls, exit fees, etc. Aresco made a deal with the Big East to keep 100 Million of it in exchange for the Big East name and Madison Square Garden for the Big East Basketball tourney. UCONN, Cincy and USF got the lion share of the dough. That in my estimation was a sweetheart deal. It makes up somewhat for the money UCONN won't be getting by being in a major conference. That's why it is so important that the American does well in the polls. The better they do, the better the future TV contract will be. That's why it's brilliant that we have a former TV exec at the helm.
UCF finishing #10 and out doing Louisville was huge for the conference. Having as many teams as possible going to the Big Dance will be big. The Fed Ex forum for the American League championship should be a sell out. I'd say thus far the conference is moving in an upward mobile direction. See link below
http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/big-east-american-athletic-conference/244087/