Key tweets, and it's all gone to Hell.

[hoopsfan22]

With the two California teams in the B1G, I wonder if one of the two will always be away while the other is home and vice versa so that the B1G will always have a late night game for the west coast audience, while giving the other a game in one of the eastern time slots.

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

USC and UCLA don't do much to move the needle in Northern California. If it requires taking 4 California schools to lock down California, you do it. Getting Stanford and Cal is way smarter than taking Oregon and Washington. As has been mentioned on these boards several times, the Bay area is one of the largest concentrations of B1G grads in the country. Taking two schools there allows for football to go out there one time a year allowing B1G alums to see their school play either Stanford or Cal and allows the fans at home to schedule a destination road game once a year.

Strategically is weakens Oregon and Washington by further isolating those two schools geographically from other competitors.

Agreed... The Big10 strategy is to be like the NFL - all time zones and Kevin Warren wants to make sure travel is not a huge burden for the schools and students so having a western pod of 6 teams makes total sense. Look at the markets they would add: LA, San Fran, Seattle and Portland. Talk about a power conference with MAJOR markets - they make the SEC look puny in terms of markets and reach. Over time, they'll be the equivalent/perhaps surpass the SEC on the field. And, from an academics/research standpoint they would continue to pile on more powerhouses.

 

[CL82]

I disagree with Frank here. The Big 12 at least has two media partners open to negotiation. The Pac just took a kick to the groin.

You’ll forgive me if I have a healthy skepticism about the ESPN’s disinterested generosity. Look for this offer to be low with the idea that the big 12 will give up future speculative value for immediate certainty.

On the other hand, it’s also possible that ESPN has decided to make the big 12 the winner of the game of survivor that’s going on between eight and the Pac 12 much like it did when it chose the ACC over the Big East when those two conferences were looking to position themselves.

 

[noeynox]

You’ll forgive me if I have a healthy skepticism about the ESPN’s disinterested generosity. Look for this offer to be low with the idea that the big 12 will give up future speculative value for immediate certainty.

On the other hand, it’s also possible that ESPN has decided to make the big 12 the winner of the game of survivor that’s going on between eight and the Pac 12 much like it did when it chose the ACC over the Big East when those two conferences were looking to position themselves.

The B1G leadership has had the right idea all along. Short term deals they can renegotiate frequently and capitalize on the rising cost of live sporting events. All other commissioners we're lost on this.

 

[TerryD]

Stamford is the first or second best school in the country and the number 1 school playing major sports
Cal is the Number 1 rated Public Institution in the country . Those are factors for the B1G. Both have large research income .
Washington is 10
Oregon is around 65 which. Is far below UConn. The Reputation isn’t the greatest either
They are somehow AAU
so the B1G probably overlook their weaknesses. The other thing is if the B1G doesn’t take them someone else will
I think ND may works out a deal more closely alighting them with the B1G if the moneys right but stay Defacto Indy.
I originally though they had to move but the B1G media partners might save them.

Agreed. NBC will cross market both ND and the Big Ten. It even mentioned "a perfect one/two punch".

NBC will up their ND payments to the reported $60 million. NBC will get ND to play Big Ten teams (maybe a scheduling deal of 3 a year?)

ND will stay independent, get a $38 million dollar a year TV raise and will not violate any ACC contracts, have to pay an exit fee or deal with the GOR (and still receive around $15-18 million a year or so from the ACC/ESPN partial membership and full membership share of ACC Network profits).

A win for everyone involved and a great job by Jack Swarbrick if it happens.

 

[uconndogs]

36-40 programs will breakaway. 18-20 south (SEC) and 18-20 north (BiG). Professional franchises each within a conference. That will be college football and, eventually college basketball. NFL and NBA light. Holds no appeal to me, but evidently the brain trusts see a way to make a lot more money.

Honestly, I have no direct insight into this, but I have to believe this is where its all going.

 

[Exit 4]

Anything good here?

 

[Storrs South]

Anything good here?

Gavitt Games in negotiation for 2023. Why one year? Who knows. My speculation: May be signaling that this is ending once new contract for B10 starts or waiting to accommodate new expansion adds once they join.

Also brings up Gonzaga as an expansion candidate to the BE. Says it isn't imminent or anything but just brings it up as something to consider.

 

[CL82]

Anything good here?

There are some mentions but nothing material.

 

[Chin Diesel]

With the two California teams in the B1G, I wonder if one of the two will always be away while the other is home and vice versa so that the B1G will always have a late night game for the west coast audience, while giving the other a game in one of the eastern time slots.

Now imagine having four Cali schools in Pacific Time Zone. Two games out there each weekend. And don't discount FOX having a much larger California presence than ESPN, NBC, CBS, etc.

 

[bobbyinaz]

You’ll forgive me if I have a healthy skepticism about the ESPN’s disinterested generosity. Look for this offer to be low with the idea that the big 12 will give up future speculative value for immediate certainty.

On the other hand, it’s also possible that ESPN has decided to make the big 12 the winner of the game of survivor that’s going on between eight and the Pac 12 much like it did when it chose the ACC over the Big East when those two conferences were looking to position themselves.

I think ESPN is playing both sides against the middle negotiating with both the B12 & PAC at the same time.

Whichever conference is willing to take the lowball offer first will likely be the survivor and ESPN can move the schools around as they want between them once the winner is crowned

 

[Kolumbo]

Anything good here?

Clearly the B1G and Big East are going to merge for Olympic Sports purposes. That would put the B1G far above the SEC. Winning.

 

[Exit 4]

Clearly the B1G and Big East are going to merge for Olympic Sports purposes. That would put the B1G far above the SEC. Winning.

Well- I do think that in the decade to come these media companies will be looking to make these conferences have a footprint that hits all four corners of the map so that they can legitimize paying oodles and avoid having what is deemed a regional product. It’s remote at this moment, but I could see each of the power 2, 3 or 4 conf adopting a G5 to have a combined media deal. A Big brother - little brother media package. More content and more opportunities to help Olympics. I don’t see the power conf just handing money out and opening doors- instead I just see it as combo package to fill in gaps. Right now the BiG could literally toss CUSA or the FunBelt some nickels and say hey- we are putting you on BTN as gap filler and also we’ll do some BB stuff together.

What happens to BTN if the FunBelt is added? Seems like BTN adds a lot of southern eye balls.

 

[dayooper]

Clearly the B1G and Big East are going to merge for Olympic Sports purposes. That would put the B1G far above the SEC. Winning.

That is a really interesting idea. Maybe not merge, but scheduling contracts and series (Big10/Big East Challenge). Puts the Big10 in the NE and a stronger position in the Mid-Atlantic areas.

 

[NH Husky]

36-40 programs will breakaway. 18-20 south (SEC) and 18-20 north (BiG). Professional franchises each within a conference. That will be college football and, eventually college basketball. NFL and NBA light. Holds no appeal to me, but evidently the brain trusts see a way to make a lot more money.

Honestly, I have no direct insight into this, but I have to believe this is where its all going.

I hear what you’re saying and I don’t find it appealing either.
But the NFL needs more than 40 teams for a “minor league” develop its talent pool. And if non B1G-SEC universities are going to keep losing money in football then why would they invest more into it? Especially considering ongoing risk of concussion lawsuits.
The NBA doesn’t really on a farm league. More and more they draft high school or foreign players. How many college grads have been first round draft picks in the last five years?
I with you. I really don’t like where this is going.

 

[CoastAtlantic]

 

[LoyalFanCT]

Is UConn among the teams trying to get into the Pac-12?

 

[goldendomer]

Yeah, WAC schools are itching for a new home.

 

[Exit 4]

Cool, so the entire Mountain West (12) called and Gonzaga too (1) That was easy - "more than a dozen!"

 

[UConnJim]

Well- I do think that in the decade to come these media companies will be looking to make these conferences have a footprint that hits all four corners of the map so that they can legitimize paying oodles and avoid having what is deemed a regional product. It’s remote at this moment, but I could see each of the power 2, 3 or 4 conf adopting a G5 to have a combined media deal. A Big brother - little brother media package. More content and more opportunities to help Olympics. I don’t see the power conf just handing money out and opening doors- instead I just see it as combo package to fill in gaps. Right now the BiG could literally toss CUSA or the FunBelt some nickels and say hey- we are putting you on BTN as gap filler and also we’ll do some BB stuff together.

What happens to BTN if the FunBelt is added? Seems like BTN adds a lot of southern eye balls.

College sports are moving to conference networks and streaming. When the cable bundle ends or becomes less relevant in the future, conference networks will be looking for content and brands to attract customers to buy their channel. It would not surprise me if the BTN and SECN look towards other conference for content.

In the short term, ironically, it would make the most sense for the ACCN to partner with the Big East for content as it would get the ACCN with home state pricing in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, DC/Maryland, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio, Milwaukee,...

 

[Rufus]

In the short term, ironically, it would make the most sense for the ACCN to partner with the Big East for content as it would get the ACCN with home state pricing in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, DC/Maryland, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio, Milwaukee,...

Xavier isn't getting the ACCN in Ohio. Even Cincinnati couldn't do that. Ohio is all Ohio State. Fans of the other schools all went to school there, and even those fans are often double fans - fans of their home school and fans of Ohio State.

 

[CoastAtlantic]

 

[Slasher]

Cool, so the entire Mountain West (12) called and Gonzaga too (1) That was easy - "more than a dozen!"

Probably SMU and Memphis as well.

 

[Chin Diesel]

College sports are moving to conference networks and streaming. When the cable bundle ends or becomes less relevant in the future, conference networks will be looking for content and brands to attract customers to buy their channel. It would not surprise me if the BTN and SECN look towards other conference for content.

In the short term, ironically, it would make the most sense for the ACCN to partner with the Big East for content as it would get the ACCN with home state pricing in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, DC/Maryland, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio, Milwaukee,...

I've been saying this for a while. B1G and SEC are going to get other conferences to align with their media deals so those services have content beyond B1G and SEC. It also allows for easier non-conference scheduling.

Used to be conference prestige was linked to the media who broadcast conference games. So, it was a big deal to say games were on CBS or ESPN.

Now, media outlets want to use conferences to bolster their service. So, FOX can say they are a B1G content provider. ESPN can say they are an SEC content provider.

In terms of brand power the conference is now more prestigious than the media outlets.

 

[CL82]

I've been saying this for a while. B1G and SEC are going to get other conferences to align with their media deals so those services have content beyond B1G and SEC. It also allows for easier non-conference scheduling.

Used to be conference prestige was linked to the media who broadcast conference games. So, it was a big deal to say games were on CBS or ESPN.

Now, media outlets want to use conferences to bolster their service. So, FOX can say they are a B1G content provider. ESPN can say they are an SEC content provider.

In terms of brand power the conference is now more prestigious than the media outlets.

I understand what you’re saying, but I think it’s somewhat problematic. I think the goal is to get an optimally sized conference that allows you to fill the time slots in your media deal. If you start bringing in “associate members“ or contracting to fill those time slots with programs outside of your conference there will be dissent due to lost visibility. We are already hearing a little bit of blowback from big 10 members who take the very reasonable position that they don’t want to add anyone who dilutes value. Diluting visibility would be a similar concern.

To me, the flaw in the mega-conference theory is that at some point when a conference gets large enough, it stops feeling like a conference. I am reminded of the line from The Incredibles “when everyone is super, no one is.“ At some point when you get large enough, there’s stops being a cachet and stops having a shared sense of purpose.

 

[Ha Who]

I understand what you’re saying, but I think it’s somewhat problematic. I think the goal is to get an optimally sized conference that allows you to fill the time slots in your media deal. If you start bringing in “associate members“ or contracting to fill those time slots with programs outside of your conference there will be dissent due to lost visibility. We are already hearing a little bit of blowback from big 10 members who take the very reasonable position that they don’t want to add anyone who dilutes value. Diluting visibility would be a similar concern.

To me, the flaw in the mega-conference theory is that at some point when a conference gets large enough, it stops feeling like a conference. I am reminded of the line from The Incredibles “when everyone is super, no one is.“ At some point when you get large enough, there’s stops being a cachet and stops having a shared sense of purpose.

I have said many times this grand experiment will fail. Just look at business history. Yes, these schools will make a boatload of money and perhaps that is all that matters. But in the end the best case is a return to smaller regional conferences and worst case the destruction of college Athletics. Good legacy for these folks

 

[CL82]

I have said many times this grand experiment will fail. Just look at business history. Yes, these schools will make a boatload of money and perhaps that is all that matters. But in the end the best case is a return to smaller regional conferences and worst case the destruction of college Athletics. Good legacy for these folks

I’m not so sure it would fail, and if it ultimately does it will be after making people billions of dollars. Is that a failure? I don’t know.

Nothing last forever and this current drift towards make a conferences won’t either. I suspect, though, whatever comes out of it those who are sitting at the big boy table now may well have a big enough lead in facilities and tradition that they are well positioned for whatever comes next.

 

[dayooper]

I have said many times this grand experiment will fail. Just look at business history. Yes, these schools will make a boatload of money and perhaps that is all that matters. But in the end the best case is a return to smaller regional conferences and worst case the destruction of college Athletics. Good legacy for these folks

My personal opinion is it’s about consolidating the major players and making those at the table more visible. We have seen this happen before when the divisions were set up and again when D1 football was split. It’s taking the top brands and their Tagalongs (you know who they are) and elevating them above the rest. Once you get the P2 set, you can break apart the conferences into divisions (like the NFL) and find a way to get a little parity between the big dogs. Will it work? Don’t know, but that’s the way life is nowadays, the powerful doing what they can to protect and expand what they have.

 

[Ha Who]

My personal opinion is it’s about consolidating the major players and making those at the table more visible. We have seen this happen before when the divisions were set up and again when D1 football was split. It’s taking the top brands and their Tagalongs (you know who they are) and elevating them above the rest. Once you get the P2 set, you can break apart the conferences into divisions (like the NFL) and find a way to get a little parity between the big dogs. Will it work? Don’t know, but that’s the way life is nowadays, the powerful doing what they can to protect and expand what they have.

The problem is markets and where people turn after they refuse to buy into the streaming services. Big boy fans such as you might pay for Iowa/Rutgers, but many of us will have nothing to do with the cartel and will find other interests in life to spend our time and money on best of luck to your AOL/Time Warner experiment

 

[Kolumbo]

Clemson, Utah, Baylor, Oregon, Okie State, NC State, Miami (Fla), Pitt, Wake, Cinci, Houston, BYU, Fresno State, UCF, Kansas State, UNC, Boise State, Air Force, App State, SDSU, Utah State

Who are 21 programs who finished ranked or ORV in 2021 which will be relegated per B1G and SEC brass. Ridiculous.