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

[CoastAtlantic]

 

[pj]

I guess one's view of these events are colored by who you think the ultimate decision-maker is. If you believe the ultimate decision maker was the ACC, then you are inclined to believe that this was in expansion move passively funded by ESPN. If you believe, as I do, and as the Boston College AD did at the time it was happening, that ESPN was the actual prime mover, then it follows that consolidation was the principal goal.

Again, the fact that an 11th hour swap of Pittsburgh in Connecticut was made at the 11th hour tells me that geography and demographics were not the principal driver. Consolidation was. Thus you can swap out Pittsburgh for Connecticut, dramatically different areas geographically and economically, at Boston College's whim because the principal driver was weakening the big east rather than a thoughtful expansion of territory.

Food for thought, because I know you do this kind of work, as a rule, how much say does the guy who is putting up the cash have in any transaction?

If the primary decision-maker was ESPN, then why didn't ESPN maximize the value of the ACCN by taking the schools who brought the most cable boxes (Rutgers and UConn) as opposed to regional schools (Syracuse and Pitt)? ESPN knows the cable business. Maybe they didn't really want the ACCN to be highly lucrative ... maybe they wanted to keep down the bargaining power of their own properties.

If they were trying to gut the Big East to keep down the bargaining power of universities, maybe they wanted a fractured realignment process which minimizes money to even the successful properties.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

You talked about schools from lower population states, KU, K-State, Iowa-State, WVU, but all of those schools support the programs. They have lots of fans. State population doesn't matter. K-State and WVU in particular have a passionate fanbase that shows up. Iowa State too, and KU if they start winning again (which they are). Meanwhile, a high population state like NY has almost no support for college football at all.

A lot of that has to do with history, choices, and geography. Private universities dominated the Northeast (outside of Penn St) in the past both from a football and support perspective – Yale, Harvard, Princeton, etc. State schools such as UConn, Rutgers and the SUNY’s have only risen in people’s perception and support in the last 30 or so year. In addition, It’s just a 4-hour drive from Storrs to Syracuse or 90-minute drive from Storrs to Chestnut Hill. In many states in the Midwest, West and South, its 4 to 5 hours just to get to the next metro area and there are many fewer choices (Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, etc.). Not to mention, many of those college do not have a nearby pro team or teams to compete with for fans’ dollars. Given time, support, and a few winning seasons, I have no doubt UConn football would be competitive with many of these so-called Tier 2/3/4 schools.

 

[HuskyHawk]

The Tweeter isn't key, but the content is. UConn was not just being played to lure the corner schools.

 

[CL82]

Have @ it… includes Letter from AD Dave:

UConn Athletics | 2023 Annual Report

UConn Huskies Annual ReportOur passion and commitment define UConn’s excellence. Our student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and die-hard fans have helped dist ...

annualreport.uconnhuskies.com

(Sure looks like a slide deck)

Yes, it does look like a slide deck doesn't it?

Here's the answer:

 

[HuskyHawk]

A lot of that has to do with history, choices, and geography. Private universities dominated the Northeast (outside of Penn St) in the past both from a football and support perspective – Yale, Harvard, Princeton, etc. State schools such as UConn, Rutgers and the SUNY’s have only risen in people’s perception and support in the last 30 or so year. In addition, It’s just a 4-hour drive from Storrs to Syracuse or 90-minute drive from Storrs to Chestnut Hill. In many states in the Midwest, West and South, its 4 to 5 hours just to get to the next metro area and there are many fewer choices (Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, etc.). Not to mention, many of those college do not have a nearby pro team or teams to compete with for fans’ dollars. Given time, support, and a few winning seasons, I have no doubt UConn football would be competitive with many of these so-called Tier 2/3/4 schools.

I agree with all of that. I'm not worried about UConn competing on the field. We've shown we can step up. I don't get why people here throw stones and try to tear down somebody like K-State, which was absolutely the worst D1 program ever, and built itself into a consistently ranked program with a strong following.

The hardest part for UConn is building that culture where people will make those drives, where they will prioritize the game over other things on fall weekends. We aren't close to that, so it's a bit ridiculous to insult a school like Iowa State that does have that. One reason I so badly wanted UConn in a "P" conference is because I think many of our fickle fans won't take the program seriously until it is.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

“Lost profit” or lost revenue/reduced expenses?

It may be an oversimplification but profits should equal revenue less expenses.

 

[businesslawyer]

Swatbrick, or whatever his name is, is a Richard Cranium.

Well, that certainly added to the intelligent analysis of these matters. Especially as the quote that caused your reaction is 100% accurate.

 

[CL82]

It may be an oversimplification but profits should equal revenue less expenses.

Take a look at the post at my post above. And what they are trying to do is quantify the cost of playing in Hartford which consists of both and additional expense element and a lost revenue element.

Another interesting way to view these fax is that but for Connecticut being a captive tenant this CDRA's's annual 2 1/2 million dollar loss would be an annual 6 1/2 million dollar loss. As a frequently have said on this board, there is no logical reason in the world why the majority of the CDRA's annual operating loss needs to be hidden in the athletic department budget. When UConn plays to lease at the XL Center, the money comes from the state to the university to the athletic department to the CDRA's and then back to the state. If the state really wants the University to play in a state owned facility rather than on campus to bolster Hartford economy, isn't it more logical simply not to have Connecticut charged for the use of the XL Center? Either way, the state foots the bill, and by not charging Connecticut are athletic departments balance sheet is improved by not including what is a de facto subsidy from the state of Connecticut to the city of Hartford.

 

[CL82]

If the primary decision-maker was ESPN, then why didn't ESPN maximize the value of the ACCN by taking the schools who brought the most cable boxes (Rutgers and UConn) as opposed to regional schools (Syracuse and Pitt)? ESPN knows the cable business. Maybe they didn't really want the ACCN to be highly lucrative ... maybe they wanted to keep down the bargaining power of their own properties.

If they were trying to gut the Big East to keep down the bargaining power of universities, maybe they wanted a fractured realignment process which minimizes money to even the successful properties.

Because the endgame was taking the big east off the board as the equivalent of a P5 conference. ESPN is already on the first tier of every cable provider at a significant premium, something like seven or eight dollars per subscriber the last time I looked which was many years ago.

 

[Storrs South]

Yes, it does look like a slide deck doesn't it?

Here's the answer:
View attachment 90540
View attachment 90541

This I do not get: why not change to the Villanova model where it isn't a 50/50 split but more like 75/25.

Throw any marquee game over the break + one additional non break marquee game + cupcake during finals & break (4 games total) to Hartford. The rest on campus which should be about 13. Of course that Hartford package you couldn't sell for as much as Gampel, but are they afraid about losing season ticket holder revenue? Because if that's the case then the $7.5 million figure doesn't account for that.

For this season I could see something like:
XL: Providence, Creighton, Seton Hall + cupcake during break (let's say Boston University)
Gampel: Marquette, Villanova, St. John's, Georgetown, Xavier, DePaul, Butler + remaining cupcakes during semester

This is well balanced and games like DePaul and Butler (assuming during semester) don't need to be in Hartford. If you want more big games go to Gampel, but if you are OK with a few you can get a little exposure in Hartford. This also is more student friendly and builds a better campus environment and student interest. First XL game wouldn't be until December, which maybe you throw one cupcake early on there just to get people into basketball mode.

End of day, they need a better deal with Hartford in terms of money and scheduling priority.

 

[CL82]

This I do not get: why not change to the Villanova model where it isn't a 50/50 split but more like 75/25.

Throw any marquee game over the break + one additional non break marquee game + cupcake during finals & break (4 games total) to Hartford. The rest on campus which should be about 13. Of course that Hartford package you couldn't sell for as much as Gampel, but are they afraid about losing season ticket holder revenue? Because if that's the case then the $7.5 million figure doesn't account for that.

For this season I could see something like:
XL: Providence, Creighton, Seton Hall + cupcake during break (let's say Boston University)
Gampel: Marquette, Villanova, St. John's, Georgetown, Xavier, DePaul, Butler + remaining cupcakes during semester

This is well balanced and games like DePaul and Butler (assuming during semester) don't need to be in Hartford. This also is more student friendly and builds a better campus environment and student interest. First XL game wouldn't be until December, which maybe you throw one cupcake early on there just to get people into basketball mode.

End of day, they need a better deal with Hartford in terms of money and scheduling priority.

Alternatively, charge Connecticut whatever the fix cost is to open up Gampel and give it a piece of concessions and parking revenue. If you do that then it almost ends up being an economic breakeven for Connecticut to play in Hartford or in Gampel.

 

[RedStickHusky]

How much could that 7.5 million off-set on-campus construction? Because, honestly, paying rent, does sort of feed the "they're not big time" argument.

 

[djct1999]

If I’m Wake Forest I’m milking this until 2036, and by that time who knows what the landscape will look like. I know I’m inside the power structure until then, and if the whole college sports world gets antsy for that 13 yr wait so they leave the NCAA, I know I will be grandfathered into the power structure. There is no possible way I risk my position with wishful thinking. As my Greek mom often says to me, sit on your eggs.

Yeah, I am sure thats what a school like Wake Forest will do. However, to just wait it out to see what the landscape might look like isnt that sound a strategy for survival. True, no one knows but its pretty clear where this is heading. For a school like Wake Forest, it means the end. So while I would try like hell to keep the GOR in tact, I would also think of value adds to make sure I am part of the conversation 13 years from now. The Big 12 made a move. Right now, assuming the magnificant 7 or even 4 leave after the gor, the Big 12 will survive and the ACC wont. That doesnt help Wake Forest.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

This I do not get: why not change to the Villanova model where it isn't a 50/50 split but more like 75/25.

Philadelphia doesn't need Villanova to play in Wells Fargo to support the city's economy. Additionally, as the 76er's and Flyers play there during what is Nova's basketball season, there are likely a limited number of available dates that would correspond to Nova's schedule.

 

[WestCoastHusky]

The Tweeter isn't key, but the content is. UConn was not just being played to lure the corner schools.

So @GoKU was right. I also said as much. We were #14 and then Friday morning it all went south.

Thank you B1G you greedy POS for running it for many schools including all the ones in the PAC that got screwed. You could not wait a few more years to get Oregon and Washington. It won't make a lick of difference, but many schools are paying it still for all the blood you spilled.

 

[king conn]

Because the endgame was taking the big east off the board as the equivalent of a P5 conference. ESPN is already on the first tier of every cable provider at a significant premium, something like seven or eight dollars per subscriber the last time I looked which was many years ago.

I could be wrong here, but isn't it true there wasn't even an ACC network when all this took place?

 

[Skiblets]

The Tweeter isn't key, but the content is. UConn was not just being played to lure the corner schools.

It’s over Johnny. And it ends with the biggest kick in the nuts of them all….and that’s saying something

 

[JMick]

It’s over Johnny. And it ends with the biggest kick in the nuts of them all….and that’s saying something

Yeah it really did feel like the last chance. The only hope now is that the ACC only loses half a dozen schools

 

[CL82]

It’s over Johnny.

 

[Pat125]

So @GoKU was right. I also said as much. We were #14 and then Friday morning it all went south.

Thank you B1G you greedy POS for running it for many schools including all the ones in the PAC that got screwed. You could not wait a few more years to get Oregon and Washington. It won't make a lick of difference, but many schools are paying it still for all the blood you spilled.

No, GoKU and/or his sources were way off. Yes, the Big Ten may well be scum, but everything that happened last week was well within the realm of possibility. So how anyone being an insider did not see this is beyond me. Really!?!

In any case, frankly the Big 12 should have picked UConn as 13 or 14, and tell the corner schools while they were f&rting around, that there are three spots left, and let the remaining school figure out with Cal and Stanford what to do next.

 

[pj]

Because the endgame was taking the big east off the board as the equivalent of a P5 conference. ESPN is already on the first tier of every cable provider at a significant premium, something like seven or eight dollars per subscriber the last time I looked which was many years ago.

Yes, I get that ESPN benefited from keeping their cable fees the same while reducing the payouts to content providers.

What I wonder is why they wouldn't want to have the most valuable content in their lineup. UConn is more valuable than a lot of stuff they kept. As the architects of realignment they could have maximized the value of ESPN's portfolio. Instead they let UConn go to Fox, while keeping schools like Louisville and Pitt that would have added more value in the B12.

 

[CL82]

Yes, I get that ESPN benefited from keeping their cable fees the same while reducing the payouts to content providers.

What I wonder is why they wouldn't want to have the most valuable content in their lineup. UConn is more valuable than a lot of stuff they kept. As the architects of realignment they could have maximized the value of ESPN's portfolio. Instead they let UConn go to Fox, while keeping schools like Louisville and Pitt that would have added more value in the B12.

They really didn't have much say. Connecticut left the American. I don't know if that was on ESPN's radar.

Ironically, though, it was ESPN's insistence that Contant be moved to ESPN plus, including Connecticut women's basketball, that was the straw that broke the camels back for us in the American.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

This I do not get: why not change to the Villanova model where it isn't a 50/50 split but more like 75/25.

Throw any marquee game over the break + one additional non break marquee game + cupcake during finals & break (4 games total) to Hartford. The rest on campus which should be about 13. Of course that Hartford package you couldn't sell for as much as Gampel, but are they afraid about losing season ticket holder revenue? Because if that's the case then the $7.5 million figure doesn't account for that.

For this season I could see something like:
XL: Providence, Creighton, Seton Hall + cupcake during break (let's say Boston University)
Gampel: Marquette, Villanova, St. John's, Georgetown, Xavier, DePaul, Butler + remaining cupcakes during semester

This is well balanced and games like DePaul and Butler (assuming during semester) don't need to be in Hartford. If you want more big games go to Gampel, but if you are OK with a few you can get a little exposure in Hartford. This also is more student friendly and builds a better campus environment and student interest. First XL game wouldn't be until December, which maybe you throw one cupcake early on there just to get people into basketball mode.

End of day, they need a better deal with Hartford in terms of money and scheduling priority.

I think you're ignoring the donations the school and seat licenses the school gets from playing in Hartford. They essentially get to double dip.

I suspect we'll never see the true data, but id love to see a donation breakdown between Gampel and Civic Center season ticket holders.

Now with all this said, I tend to agree it's not a good deal, but the worse part is how UConn accounts for it all. As @CL82 noted a lot of these expenses are just paper not cash out and something of the things the AD takes the expense for are kind of dubious as well.

The on campus stadium and deficit are such big talking points, that could pretty easily be resolved with a) 'committee' to investigate an on campus stadium, b) figure out a better way to spread the expenses out aside from parking it in the AD which makes the school like inept.

 

[CTBballfan243]

It’s over Johnny. And it ends with the biggest kick in the nuts of them all….and that’s saying something

At some point you just need to be happy with who/what you are. Be happy with what you have and stop chasing the dragon.