Non-Key Tweets

[CTMike]

Yeah here is the thing: nobody is in charge of all these tough negotiations at UConn.

The Big 12 isn't expanding - the Big 10 is not calling.

Maybe someday the ACC will need some new teams. Until then can we please stop with UConn to the Big 10?

Nah.

 

[Pudge]

Yeah here is the thing: nobody is in charge of all these tough negotiations at UConn.

The Big 12 isn't expanding - the Big 10 is not calling.

Maybe someday the ACC will need some new teams. Until then can we please stop with UConn to the Big 10?

You don't know that. It's premature to speculate. There's enough moving parts that many things need to happen for about 35 Universities including ours.

We now know that the B1G is going to be 2 to 2.5 times the ACC / B12 per University. SEC will find their way to greater things. The wheels keep on. What I've read from you is that these networks will be scaling back & less money is coming. Not true of NBA/NFL/MLB. Plus other outliers. Now the B1G is squeezing through. All I will guarantee is more change. And YES, more realistic moves by schools outside of B1G & SEC.

I read folks whining about Louisville or BC. It ain't over. UConn is doing what it has to. We can still nudge our way to a better spot.

 

[whaler11]

You don't know that. It's premature to speculate. There's enough moving parts that many things need to happen for about 35 Universities including ours.

We now know that the B1G is going to be 2 to 2.5 times the ACC / B12 per University. SEC will find their way to greater things. The wheels keep on. What I've read from you is that these networks will be scaling back & less money is coming. Not true of NBA/NFL/MLB. Plus other outliers. Now the B1G is squeezing through. All I will guarantee is more change. And YES, more realistic moves by schools outside of B1G & SEC.

I read folks whining about Louisville or BC. It ain't over. UConn is doing what it has to. We can still nudge our way to a better spot.

It's over for 6 years.

The networks will be scaling back. When the cable companies turn their backs on the Dodgers and the Yankees - that should make it pretty clear.

 

[noeynox]

I'm not convinced the Big 12 isn't expanding yet. It remains our most likely way to get out. The B1G to me has always felt like the longest of long shots.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

It's over for 6 years.

The networks will be scaling back. When the cable companies turn their backs on the Dodgers and the Yankees - that should make it pretty clear.

6 years seems to be when we can expect major changes.

Big 12 teams will be free to do whatever and then I think B1G says to UNC and 1 ACC team, do you want in or were asking Oklahoma and Kansas.

I think it would be hard for UNC to turn that down, which is why it seems to be that UConn would a back fill to the ACC.

Can UConn survive the status quo in the current landscape 6 more years? I think so? But come the next round I think it's do or die time (if we aren't already dead).

 

[whaler11]

6 years seems to be when we can expect major changes.

Big 12 teams will be free to do whatever and then I think B1G says to UNC and 1 ACC team, do you want in or were asking Oklahoma and Kansas.

I think it would be hard for UNC to turn that down, which is why it seems to be that UConn would a back fill to the ACC.

Can UConn survive the status quo in the current landscape 6 more years? I think so? But come the next round I think it's do or die time (if we aren't already dead).

Of course they will survive 6 years.

 

[Dooley]

Well, if UConn is stuck in the AAC for another 6 years, it does have something in its back pocket that no other G5 school has: a "power school" Tier 3 value. Back in 2010 when everyone still owned their own T3 rights, our $9.14M/yr put us in the top third of the entire NCAA. There is obvious demand here in the northeast for UConn content, no matter how crappy the opponent/game. Another one of David Benedict's strengths when hired is his background in negotiating media/apparel contracts. Maybe he can negotiate a way for us to get our T3 rights returned to us so we can operate like the "Texas of the G5" until the next wave of expansion kicks off.

 

[Waquoit]

Geno won't be here in 6 years and a bunch of T3 value will go with him. We can't wait 6 years.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

Of course they will survive 6 years.

6 years, sure that seems more than likely. We are paying our coaches more than competitive salaries and our practice facilities are first class, so financially in that respect we seem fine.

Realistically how long can we go on? The next time we have to rebuild practice facilities? If coaching salaries suddenly sky rocket?

 

[businesslawyer]

I've been married 33 years, but IIRC

Biz you are underestimating your closing ability. I'll bet that would work, at least at last call.

I've been married 33 years, but IIRC it was not possible to underestimate my closing ability.

 

[Dooley]

Geno won't be here in 6 years and a bunch of T3 value will go with him. We can't wait 6 years.

How much of $9.14M/yr do you think is tied to WBB? I never said we can afford to wait 6 years. Just that we might want to try to get our T3 rights back for as long as we are stuck in the AAC and wait for the next wave of CR to explode. For as long as we are stuck in the G5, we might as well enjoy a substantial financial advantage over our AAC/G5 competition.

 

[HuskyBandDad]

Yeah here is the thing: nobody is in charge of all these tough negotiations at UConn.

The Big 12 isn't expanding - the Big 10 is not calling.

Maybe someday the ACC will need some new teams. Until then can we please stop with UConn to the Big 10?

NO

 

[whaler11]

NO

Yes if people quote me angry it totally changes what happens. Reality is suspended.

 

[UC1995]

Yeah here is the thing: nobody is in charge of all these tough negotiations at UConn.

The Big 12 isn't expanding - the Big 10 is not calling.

Maybe someday the ACC will need some new teams. Until then can we please stop with UConn to the Big 10?

 

[HuskyBandDad]

Yes if people quote me angry it totally changes what happens. Reality is suspended.

It sucks but Talking is all we got.

 

[The Viking]

Here's the deal - I think the Big 10 massive rates in the next 6 years actually help UConn IF they are committed to keep their football program up for 8-10 more years.
The B1G will be adding UConn and/or ACC teams in 10 years. In all likelihood it will be ACC teams but regardless, we will fill in the holes within the ACC.

 

[CoastAtlantic]

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 4h4 hours ago
Okl may be in play to Big10.

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 4h4 hours ago
GT NC UVA FSU ND OKL each big 10 member roughly 60 mill payout. Watch NBC in the TV deal opens up ND.

D A Reinhard ‏@DurkDiggler8810 4h4 hours ago
@Bluevodreal still don't see regents approving OU move without Oksu

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 4h4 hours ago
@DurkDiggler8810 Okl wants Big 10 bad. I thought they would only take them with Texas but I guess not.

Chad Bailiff ‏@Cjbay26 3h3 hours ago
@Bluevodreal I didn't think that OK could leave without Okie St. A state legislator thing??

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 3h3 hours ago
@Cjbay26 I would guess they fell very confident in making the move.

Justin Lugo ‏@JDLugOU 3h3 hours ago
@Cjbay26 @Bluevodreal i think Tex A&M proved that in state schools dont need to move together ... Once thought UT and A&M had to be together

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 3h3 hours ago
@JDLugOU @Cjbay26 yes the tradition thing is done. It is all about $$$. I hate it but it is what it is.

Chad Bailiff ‏@Cjbay26 43m43 minutes ago
@Bluevodreal @JDLugOU I hope so. Would love to see OU in the best conference in America

Genetics56 ‏@Genetics56 2h2 hours ago
@Bluevodreal @DurkDiggler8810 OK, UVA, UNC, GA Tech, FSU would be great. If o ND, who is six? Miami?

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 2h2 hours ago
@Genetics56 @DurkDiggler8810 I have u Just recently heard Miami but not from me sources.

Tom ‏@TommyNole 2h2 hours ago
@Bluevodreal @Genetics56 @DurkDiggler8810 there is no way both FSU and Miami would be invited together. I'd seriously question that source

Tom ‏@TommyNole 1h1 hour ago
@Genetics56 @Bluevodreal @DurkDiggler8810 I'd be very very surprised if the B1G bites off 6 teams at once. Or any really.

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 4h4 hours ago
No deal is done but I would raise to 65% chance on latest info.

Jonathan Coker™ ‏@JonBCoker 4h4 hours ago
@Bluevodreal what has been the latest info? Also, what teams would move to West division in your opinion?

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 4h4 hours ago
@JonBCoker some have told me but I do think they have gotten even close to that point.

Terry E. Littlejohn ‏@LJSooner62 4h4 hours ago
@Bluevodreal I hope so!

Mitch Green ‏@MitchWGreen 4h4 hours ago
@LJSooner62 @Bluevodreal would be nice to see OK & NE reunited (without you know who).

Terry E. Littlejohn ‏@LJSooner62 3h3 hours ago
@MitchWGreen @Bluevodreal So true! And I definitely know who you mean.

Terry E. Littlejohn ‏@LJSooner62 3h3 hours ago
@MitchWGreen @Bluevodreal The Big 12 has been 'burnt' by them several times, so to speak.

Mitch Green ‏@MitchWGreen 3h3 hours ago
@LJSooner62 @Bluevodreal they are in the same class as Notre Dame. True narcissists.

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 3h3 hours ago
@MitchWGreen @LJSooner62 little payback is been coming to them recently.

Corneilus Green ‏@CGreen63 3h3 hours ago
@Bluevodreal If Oklahoma moves to the Big 10, I could see Texas jumping to Pac-12

Bluevod ‏@Bluevodreal 3h3 hours ago
@CGreen63 not sure Texas has gone dark on this whole thing. I have not heard one word in the last 2 months.


ME: "the best conference in America". They sure seem that confident over in corn land?

 

[whaler11]

View attachment 13368

It's pretty great that someone posted more twitter nonsense after this.

The Big 10 is totally going to add 6 teams... that is how math works.

 

[The Funster]

The B1G can add just about who ever they want. And it won't be a school that isn't already AAU. So, Okla is out. They'll go SEC or Pac eventually.

 

[billybud]

While a Big Ten add like UNC or Virginia could definitely serve a utilitarian purpose for the B!G....

I have to wonder if the spoon would taste the flavor of the soup.

 

[FDNY99]

It's pretty great that someone posted more twitter nonsense after this.

The Big 10 is totally going to add 6 teams... that is how math works.

I have a question...looking for your opinion on this idea: What is your take on UConn landing in a conference made up of the rest of the ACC/B-12 and possibly Cincy and Houston? At the end of the day to me this is where we end up with between 15-20 schools a P-4 school getting around $20-$25 mill/yr.

 

[HuskyHawk]

As far as graduate programs and research go, Kansas and UConn are equivalent. At the undergraduate level, the only substantive difference is that Kansas requires the university to accept all students with a GPA of 2.0 or higher in a college prep curriculum, or with an SAT score above 980 if they've achieved a GPA of 3.25. (U.S. Freshmen Requirements | Undergraduate Admissions). These are really easy admissions standards and it hurts KU in the undergrad rankings. Nevertheless for a good student, the quality of undergraduate education at KU and UConn may be similar, you just have more dumb classmates at KU.

Seems about right to me as a guy who went to both schools. That auto-admission requirement is a killer for them, and they'd love to dump it (state law). They work hard so that HS guidance counselors will direct those kids to Emporia State, or WSU etc. rather than flunking out at KU.

Just returned from a 7 day cruise, and UConn is still in the AAC.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Just returned from a 7 day cruise, and UConn is still in the AAC.

Next time make it a seven year cruise.

 

[whaler11]

I have a question...looking for your opinion on this idea: What is your take on UConn landing in a conference made up of the rest of the ACC/B-12 and possibly Cincy and Houston? At the end of the day to me this is where we end up with between 15-20 schools a P-4 school getting around $20-$25 mill/yr.

There are 24 (25) schools in those two leagues. The last thing UConn would want is them to combine.

Since the start of this I've been saying I think UConn ends up in the ACC after a couple of schools leave - it seems that is impossible for at least 6 years.

Why would the Big Ten add more mouths to feed now when they have to go back to the table in 6 years in what might be a very different television world? If the Big Ten isn't adding anyone then where would anyone in the ACC or Big 12 go?

The new AD all but said nothing is happening. If it's meant to be is what you tell a friend when the person they want to be with gets engaged to someone else. It isn't what someone says when they have momentum towards anything.

Kansas to the Big Ten? The state is on their way to eliminating all higher ed funding... doesn't really seem to be what the Big Ten would be looking for.

 

[coachcap]

Here's the deal - I think the Big 10 massive rates in the next 6 years actually help UConn IF they are committed to keep their football program up for 8-10 more years.
The B1G will be adding UConn and/or ACC teams in 10 years. In all likelihood it will be ACC teams but regardless, we will fill in the holes within the ACC.

Filling holes in the ACC: This sounds like the death knell for UConn athletics. If the B1G grabs UNC, G Tech, FSU, Virginia, & the SEC opts for Clemson & NC State the ACC as we know it ceases to exist. What's left is basically the old Big East rising like a phoenix out of the ashes. but at a substantial financial divide from the aforementioned conferences. With such a decimation of that conference, wouldn't ESPN et al say that they are no longer contractually obligated & demand a renegotiation at a much lower price as ESPN did when the Big East leftovers morphed into the AAC?

 

[pj]

The B1G can add just about who ever they want. And it won't be a school that isn't already AAU. So, Okla is out. They'll go SEC or Pac eventually.

The B1G may be constrained to be at 16 or 20 for scheduling reasons. If so, and if there are more than 2 elite AAU schools that they want, but fewer than 6, they may be forced to go to 20 and balance the AAU schools with a non-AAU school or two. Oklahoma, Florida State, UConn, and Notre Dame seem like the top candidates, Va Tech also if they can't bring in Virginia.

Right now all we have are fever dreams from fans so of course the big sports names get the biggest play. You have to wonder whether football prowess is going to Trump geographic and cultural concerns and get the likes of Florida State and/or Oklahoma into the B1G. I'm sure the B1G presidents are not as enthusiastic about these schools as the sports fans.

 

[Da_Aisijimo_Gou]

Clemson to the SEC: small, predominantly poor population with tiny media market(s) already covered by USC. No offense to poor Palmetto State residents, but NFW.

 

[FDNY99]

There are 24 (25) schools in those two leagues. The last thing UConn would want is them to combine.

Since the start of this I've been saying I think UConn ends up in the ACC after a couple of schools leave - it seems that is impossible for at least 6 years.

Why would the Big Ten add more mouths to feed now when they have to go back to the table in 6 years in what might be a very different television world? If the Big Ten isn't adding anyone then where would anyone in the ACC or Big 12 go?

The new AD all but said nothing is happening. If it's meant to be is what you tell a friend when the person they want to be with gets engaged to someone else. It isn't what someone says when they have momentum towards anything.

Kansas to the Big Ten? The state is on their way to eliminating all higher ed funding... doesn't really seem to be what the Big Ten would be looking for.

I agree with you in some part...eventually I think UConn is in a reconfigured ACC. With who will be dictated on the remaining part of the B1G's Tier 1 media pkg.

 

[Dooley]

The B1G changed the CR rules with this FOX contract. Sadly, we are no longer a candidate. I thought we could make an argument for membership, even being non-AAU, if the buy-in is/was $30M/yr. It was a longer shot argument (not much different than Rutgers to the B1G) but our candidacy is far less likely (read: not a candidate) now with a $50M/yr buy-in. I'm not saying that I don't believe in UConn's P5 resume. I absolutely do. But we are not an Elite2 conference school. We don't have the profile right now. We might in 5-10 years if we can gain AAU membership and donor contributions REALLY spike, but even if we do, the $50M/yr buy-in will likely become a $100M/yr buy-in by the time we do and, again, we will drop out of the candidate pool.

Notre Dame, UNC, FSU, Texas, Oklahoma. Those are your schools that we are now competing against for B1G entry. If the candidate pool was GT, UVA, KU, etc, then we match up well with them on various metrics. We don't match up well with any school that is now a serious candidate at $50M/yr.

Like I said in another thread, or maybe this one (I don't remember, they really are all about the same thing), our only hopes to gain entry into the Elite2 conferences (B1G or SEC) are the longest of long shots:

1. B1G continues its eastward march and Notre Dame is invited under the contingency of adding another northeastern school. We out maneuver BC for this honor;

2. SEC/ESPN needs desperately to match the B1G's major market annexation plan and, knowing that they have football covered, add UConn for market penetration and basketball strength.

None of these 2 things are likely at all of happening. Instead, our best shot at boosting our $2M/yr TV money into the $20M/yr TV money (where it should be all along) is for a game of musical chairs to happen and some of these second tier P5 conferences lose members to the Elite 2. We backfill into a second tier P5 conference and, eventually down the road, the 'best of the rest' unite in trying to remain on a somewhat equal footing as the schools in the B1G/SEC. Whether that means pooling all the content together into one large, attractive TV package or form a scheduling arrangement more friendly than the existing B1G-PAC relationship, I don't know. The money divide will be too great to ignore and its about to grow even larger.

And there is now no way on God's green Earth that we move our hockey program from the Hockey East to the B1G. There is no contingency plan and there is no full membership plan. We are now officially priced out.

 

[FDNY99]

Clemson to the SEC: small, predominantly poor population with tiny media market(s) already covered by USC. No offense to poor Palmetto State residents, but NFW.

I'm also a USC east fan...have been following them since I made the decision to move to Myrtle Beach area when I retire. I can tell you this..there is absolutely zero love between Clemson and USC east! There is no way the powers that be in Columbia SC allow Clemson to become a member of the SEC. If this was even a remote possibility they would have been invited before Missouri or A&M.