CPTV and UConn WCBB. The future. . .[Merged Thread]

[alexrgct]

The games will go to the highest bidder the same way that season tickets went to the highest bidder as the team gained in popularity. UConn gave no consideration to loyalty then so why would this be any different. It's all about the money.

I don't understand thse that complain about fundraising on CPTV - you're not forced to watch and you have lots of options. Read a book, have a conversation, change the channel, DVR and fast forward . Just remember what else is lost if CPTV doesn't cover the games. No more post game interviews, Geno shows, reruns, specials, senior night coverage etc.

This is not wholly accurate. The UConn Club Priority Point system allows points to accrue over time. So it's a combination of how much you spend and how long you've been donating. The less time you've been donating, the fewer opportunities you've had to accrue points. Yes, you can buy your way to the front of the line, but it takes serious coin to do so. Similarly, if SNY's bid blows CPTV's completely out of the water, I imagine UConn will take the money and run. But if the bids are fairly close, the loyalty factor may well (and I think should) come into play.

 

[UcMiami]

I think there will be three major issues for broadcast rights:
1. Money!!!
2. Broadcasting all games live!!
3. On-line access - either through Uconn streaming or another comparable streaming outlet.
3. In season and post season specials. (Geno Show, Season in review type things.)

While money will be the first item everyone looks at, #2 above will weigh quite heavily as well - with the other bidders, do they have a contingency broadcast arrangement when something 'more important' would bump the WCBB game from the main channel. The on-line component isn't going to be a problem for the other networks as they are already in that business in some way. And finally, part of Geno's compensation 'package' is tied to his appearance on the Geno Show, so for him and the program, having something comparable is necessary - I don't think this is a major stumbling block for the other bidders as they are always looking for additional programing and it is a low production cost half hour or hour segment that can be rebroadcast numberous times during a week.

I too hope CPTV comes out on top - their loyalty has been great and helped build Uconn WCBB. Their biggest advantage is their willingness to preempt all other programming for the games - I doubt the others can make that commitment, but they may be able to provide a contigency plan that is acceptable.

 

[AboutWeston]

Will every game be shown on the SNY or FOX channels? Or just the ones that are of more general interest?

 

[Icebear]

Then the bid decision had better not be based on "low bid" only. It needs to be based on over all quality of the bid. If it is based on "low bid" only then loyalty won't matter a wit.

I think you mean "high bid" only. Bids coming to UConn would be to pay for product.

 

[Ruffian75]

Then the bid decision had better not be based on "low bid" only. It needs to be based on over all quality of the bid. If it is based on "low bid" only then loyalty won't matter a wit.

It will be based on high bid. UConn is greedy and will take the best offer. I seriously doubt if Fox or SNY offers 200K more a year on a four or five year deal than CPTV that they will keep CPTV. And I seriously doubt that Fox and SNY are entering the fray unless they are willing to pay more than CPTV has in the past.

The present contract is - '09...$1 mil, '10...$1 mil, '11 $800,000, '12....$800, 000. UConn is shrewd. They got more dough in the first two years of the contract. This also might explain the escalation of the begging in the last two years, specifically the additional half hour at the end of each game when we get a 1 minute interview with a player or coach during that 30 minutes.

 

[EricLA]

i echo the thoughts of most posters on here. my dad and step mom not only have season tickets, but they tape the games to be watched afterwords. i have no idea if UCONN will make the decision based purely on $ or if they will take other things into consideration. i'm not sure how much more $$ Fox or SNY could "throw" at UCONN to pry the rights away from CPTV. i also agree the Geno show is great. i doubt very much fans would like it as much if it were moved.

 

[Icebear]

If UConn is smart they include things like the Geno Show as a condition of bidding, plus they include some structure of required availability via internet streaming or mandate of universal access to the games in the bid, too.

 

[TDiNozzo]

I say stay with CPTV and if ESPN or CBS wants the pick of the most popular games, make them pay much more extra to make up the difference of the other offers being given...

 

[vtcwbuff]

If UConn is smart they include things like the Geno Show as a condition of bidding, plus they include some structure of required availability via internet streaming or mandate of universal access to the games in the bid, too.

I always thought that Geno's deal was separate from the game contract strictly between GA LLC and CPTV. Is that not the case?

 

[Icebear]

I always thought that Geno's deal was separate from the game contract strictly between GA LLC and CPTV. Is that not the case?

It likely is in some form. But if you want it to continue you make sure you contract for it as part of the package.

 

[AboutWeston]

I say stay with CPTV and if ESPN or CBS wants the pick of the most popular games, make them pay much more extra to make up the difference of the other offers being given...

I say stay with CPTV and if ESPN or CBS wants the pick of the most popular games, make them pay much more extra to make up the difference of the other offers being given...

I agree with DiNozzo - also, any relation to NCIS guy?

 

[Ruffian75]

If UConn is smart they include things like the Geno Show as a condition of bidding, plus they include some structure of required availability via internet streaming or mandate of universal access to the games in the bid, too.

Question: Is Geno included in the $3.6 mil present contract or does he get additional dough from CPTV?

 

[Ruffian75]

I say stay with CPTV and if ESPN or CBS wants the pick of the most popular games, make them pay much more extra to make up the difference of the other offers being given...

And CBS and ESPN will tell UConn to take a hike. UConn needs them much more than they need UConn. It is not as if WCB is the NFL. Explain why the Stanford/Tennessee game was relegated to sports package channels. Obviously because ESPN did not have any interest for whatever reason. Somebody dropped the ball

 

[FairView]

Some of the things about CPTV drive me nuts. Meg annoys the heck out of me. Jerry makes me reach into my back pocket to check if he's somehow lifted my wallet through the airwaves. The begging can be trying. But they are loyal, genuine UConn fans, friends and family.

My mom had a pain-in-the-neck sister. She never married and lived with her parents all of her life. She and I got on each other's nerves since I was a little kid. She insisted on cooking every holiday meal, and her cooking wasn't that great. She interjected herself into every conversation in annoying ways. In many ways she was not fun to be around. But she also loved us all and reveled in our accomplishments large and small. Aunt Nat died a couple of years ago. The holiday meals are much tastier. The holiday celebrations are more varied and carefree. The whole holiday experience is much more pleasant without her constant bickering about being on time and what people are wearing. Yet we'd all give anything to have her back, giving us the holiday experience that was really much better than we thought at the time. CPTV is like that maiden aunt.

Unless there is a HUGE monetary advantage for the University, CPTV should get the nod. They are part of the fabric of UConn Women's Basketball. And even though I may not always like their cooking, there is no place I would rather go for dinner.

 

[NCorBust]

It will be based on high bid. UConn is greedy and will take the best offer. I seriously doubt if Fox or SNY offers 200K more a year on a four or five year deal than CPTV that they will keep CPTV. And I seriously doubt that Fox and SNY are entering the fray unless they are willing to pay more than CPTV has in the past.

The present contract is - '09...$1 mil, '10...$1 mil, '11 $800,000, '12....$800, 000. UConn is shrewd. They got more dough in the first two years of the contract. This also might explain the escalation of the begging in the last two years, specifically the additional half hour at the end of each game when we get a 1 minute interview with a player or coach during that 30 minutes.

I am unfortunately dyslexic. I think one thing and type another. I catch it if I reread what I type, but not always.

 

[Ruffian75]

Great post Fair View. I would rather CPTV stays alive as long as they are only allowed to make the gravy and not roast the turkey.

 

[oneresult]

• Additional INFO: here's a cut & paste from the mens board about SNY
• SNY (SportsNet New York) Recognizes The Popularity Of The UConn Brand
  SportsNet New York (SNY) is the New York home of the New York Mets and the BIG EAST Conference. Although they have relationships with Syracuse, Rutgers, Seton Hall and St. John's,the relationship ls unique as, the network devotes over 300 programming hours a
  year to both UConn men's basketball and football. number of program hours is almost
  double the number of hours devoted to Rutgers programming and Syracuse receives only two-third of that amount of hours
• In 2011-12, UConn will make 13 appearances on SNY, while Syracuse, Rutgers and St. John's will each make fewer

 

[Tonyc]

I guess it was just a matter of time. I hope CPTV gets the bid. If another network does get it it will be a wider audience...CT NY LI and maybe NJ, which will help recruiting for UConn as a Univ and BB. This would be a huge blow for CPTV. Im sure the ST Johns Seton Hall and Cuse games will draw a larger audience. I concern is that if there is a game like UConn and Stonybrook or Cuse vs Duke which game will they broadcast or will CPTV get the lesser games and SNY take all the big games.

 

[Husky WBB Fan]

I sure hope someone at UCONN is reading these posts - great feedback from all!!!

 

[Icebear]

Question: Is Geno included in the $3.6 mil present contract or does he get additional dough from CPTV?

Either way it does not prevent it from being a condition of bidding should Geno and the University agree to it. I believe it is part of the compensation package for Geno created beyond his base salary.

 

[Ruffian75]

Either way it does not prevent it from being a condition of bidding should Geno and the University agree to it. I believe it is part of the compensation package for Geno created beyond his base salary.

Well, then I guess the question is, who pays Geno under the present contract between CPTV and UConn? Why would Geno be any part of UConn's negotiations for a new TV contract if outside interests become involved?

 

[Icebear]

Well, then I guess the question is, who pays Geno under the present contract between CPTV and UConn? Why would Geno be any part of UConn's negotiations for a new TV contract if outside interests become involved?

I agree those are issues that are to be considered. I do know that it is not unusual for the universities to handle such negotiations as part of a coaches compensation. I know this from the structure at Penn State.

 

[Tonyc]

Well heres and idea. For CPTV to survive perhaps they should look at forming a joint partnership/merger with another station? More money, a larger viewing area, more fans, and just think what it would do for recruiting. . Hey just think Tenn fans could watch UConn on TV every game. LOL How bout this for the name of the station WUCAT UConn Americas Team on station 195-0. Or WUCAT UConn Americas Team. Seriously I think CPTV should look to partner with another station to keep UConn WBB. No kidding UConn WCBB is a big money maker and I would think another station would welcome it.

 

[Ruffian75]

UConn WCBB is a big money maker and I would think another station would welcome it.

It is a big money maker for UConn. $3.6 mil over the last 4 years to be exact. How about CPTV?

 

[rington]

My mind wanders back a few months when CPTV announced that it was initiating a "CPTV Sports Channel." This made me a little uneasy, as I began to think that if this was so, maybe no more basketball unless you subscribed to this "new" channel.
I liked CPTV, but the bottom line for everyone, including them, is money.