They could have paid for it themselves.Actually, rumor had it that ESPN was ready to pay for UConn to the Big12 but Fox balked (obviously because they didn't want to lose the most valuable property of the Big East).
This rumor was flying around enough that I think there may have been some truth to it. I think fox's thought was on of why would I pay a premium to have UConn join the big 12 when I'm already getting them on a discounted basis in the big east.Actually, rumor had it that ESPN was ready to pay for UConn to the Big12 but Fox balked (obviously because they didn't want to lose the most valuable property of the Big East).
One possible solution to that dilemma is have ESPN pay for Connecticut full share, but also control all of its home games.They could have paid for it themselves.
Correct and Fox had to be thinking that a Big East without UConn would be a shell of itself throughout both the regular season and BE tourney time. If you had a larger conference (say ~ 18 teams) and deeper high quality/in-demand, bigger national brands then maybe you could take the hit of moving UConn from one Fox conference to another but that's not the case with the BE now.This rumor was flying around enough that I think there may have been some truth to it. I think fox's thought was on of why would I pay a premium to have UConn join the big 12 when I'm already getting them on a discounted basis in the big east.
Maaaaybe but it didn't happen (yet).They could have paid for it themselves.
Like what?If only ESPN were headquartered in Connecticut, then maybe state legislators could do something to make it worth their while. Oh wait.
The conspiracy theorist in me is thinking that ESPN, which has done us absolutely no favors during CR despite being a "home network", only agreed to pay for UConn because they knew that Fox wouldn't pay...this way those no talent arse clowns can say "well, we really tried gosh darn it to get UConn into a Px, but it didn't pan out". Yes, this line of thinking will help me sleep at night. I hates ESPN, hates them to pieces.Actually, rumor had it that ESPN was ready to pay for UConn to the Big12 but Fox balked (obviously because they didn't want to lose the most valuable property of the Big East).
They control everything at the CT taxpayers expense. No wants to do anything about it. Politicians all talk, no action.ESPN has had the chance to fund UConn’s move to another conference for 20 years and has chosen not to yet people here on the BY continue to believe some Kansas poster saying that it was FOX who wouldn’t pay.
If ESPN wanted UConn in a different conference we would be there already.
True but is it a chicken/egg situation? Do we need the votes before the financials or the financials before the votes?We didn't have the votes anyway.
That's for people who are good at making things happen to figure out.Like what?
In 2016, Gov. Malloy talked to ESPN.If only ESPN were headquartered in Connecticut, then maybe state legislators could do something to make it worth their while. Oh wait.
If there's anyone that has the best interest of college sports at heart is the multi billionaire oil tycoon.
We would prefer you did not expand, but since we're a corporation in the state of Connecticut, we're going to ask that you give them all to consideration.Skipper then called Bowlsby, according to a source, and while maintaining the position that ESPN preferred no expansion, told the Big 12 commissioner if the league did add teams, that as corporate citizens in Connecticut, ESPN would appreciate that UConn be given all due consideration
C'mon let's spitball a few suggestions. Whaddya got?That's for people who are good at making things happen to figure out.
Track & Field has been excellentBenedict's complete athletic department.
Last 2 calendar sports years-
Men's basketball- 2023 and 2024 NCAA Champions, 2024 Big East champions
Women's basketball- 2025 NCAA Champions, 2024 Final Four, 2024 and 2025 Big East champions
Football- 9 wins, 2024 Fenway bowl win
Baseball- 2024 Super regional, knocking on door of World Series, just cliched another BE Regular season title
Men's Hockey- top 10 finish, 2025 Elite 8, an overtime away from the Frozen Four, Hockey East finalist
Softball- 2025 NCAA Tournament, Big East champs
Women's Soccer- 2024 NCAA Tournament, Big East champs
Field Hockey- 2024 NCAA Tournament, Big East Champs
Women's Ice Hockey- 2024 NCAA Tournament, Hockey East champs
The only 3 team sports that failed to make the NCAA Tournament this past 2 calendar seasons- Men's soccer, volleyball, women's lacrosse. They did have winning seasons.
Our athletic dept. has never had this much depth. It was the basketball programs with field hockey/soccer and the Edsall football teams. Now it's pretty much all the teams doing something. A testament to Benedict, his hires, and the complete rebuilding of athletics facilities on campus.
Hosting BE Championships this weekend May 15-17.Track & Field has been excellent