Non-Key Tweets

[Hoophound]

It includes media revenue. If Connecticut were to join the big 12 or the current ACC it would jump from 50th to 31st. If it were a member of the big 10 or the SEC it would jump to number 13.

Saying Connecticut isn't worthy of joining a P5 conference because of its revenue is circular reasoning. It's basically saying it doesn't deserve P5 money because it doesn't make P5 money.

Also, I don’t believe you are even factoring in the ticket revenue football would add by being in a power conference. It’s a big number.

 

[How Sway?!]

In case anyone needed more proof to not take this guy seriously at all

 

[CoastAtlantic]

 

[CL82]

If this was from anyone else but Lambert it would be an interesting development. Yes, FSU leaving means they leave their grant of rights behind with the ACC, but, essentially, the ACC has transferred that GOR to ESPN. If ESPN is not going to penalize the ACC for FSU leaving, then they probably have no damages. Note that doesn't mean that they would not still have to pay, what about 130 million in exit fees, but the impediment was trying to quantify what the buyback would be for the GOR. If what Lambert said is correct, and there's a first time for everything, I guess, then that valuation issue goes away and the question is merely is FSU willing to pony up $130 million in order to leave the ACC.

 

[GG]

Not a tweet, but more Big 12 and UConn speculation.

 

[UConn Dan]

Not a tweet, but more Big 12 and UConn speculation.

After last summer's big 12 expansion, I thought Big 12 would wait to see what happens with the ACC before the next expansion, but I'm shifting my thinking.

I think Yormark will push to add UConn for all sports, even if un-even in numbers for now. I think growth into the Northeast and UConn's basketball dominance are too big of opportunities to pass up. I think we're worth more than any of the potential ACC leftovers, but what do I know.

 

[jostar1]

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
I have some legit insider information from a source in the sports broadcasting industry that I was going to write up and disseminate, but I don't have the time. So, I'm just going to spill the beans here and now and see who takes notice.


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
But first, do me a favor, remember who, what and when. Keep track of how many of the details I'm sharing tonight come to fruition.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
ESPN has approached FSU, Clemson and the ACC about a potential settlement allowing the Seminoles & Tigers to leave the ACC whenever they want. But an ESPN brokered deal is only possible if FSU and Clemson leave for the SEC. Why? I'm glad you asked.



C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
ESPN is the exclusive rights holder for both the ACC & SEC. Moreover, ESPN is a partner in both the ACCN and SECN. ESPN would not lose money if FSU & Clemson are in the SEC as opposed to the ACC.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
The basics of the potential settlement are:
1. FSU & Clemson would pay an exit fee equal to what Texas & Oklahoma paid to exit the Big 12 + a %.
2. The ACC would retain the rights to FSU & Clemson home games BUT license those rights to the ESPN for SEC broadcasts.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
3. The ACC receives 50% of the fair market (SEC) value of FSU & Clemson home games in both football & basketball. The % the ACC receives would decrease each year of the agreement.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
4. ESPN would pick up the option on the ACC's contract until 2036, but would renegotiate terms to reflect the loss of value from losing FSU & Clemson.
5. The SEC - namely FSU & Clemson - would be contractually obligated to play a top tier ACC program each year.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
My source tells me the details above are the initial - opening proposition and they will change slightly as negotiations change the details, but the basics will remain the same. Why? I'm glad you asked.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
The proposed settlement mitigates the damages to everyone. The ACC survives because ESPN picks up the option to 2036. But their losses will be offset by the % of the FSU & Clemson rights they retain.


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
FSU & Clemson win by leaving the ACC. 50% of SEC is more than 100% of ACC money and each year they claw back a % of their home media rights.


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
Everyone saves legal fees and public embarrassment. Expect the % the ACC receives of FSU & Clemson's TV rights to be negotiated down from the starting point of 50%. 35% is more likely the starting point. Expect that to drop by 3-5% each year until its 0.


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
But you can expect the ACC will retain some % of FSU & Clemson's rights until 2036.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
My source pointed out it's critical that the ACC negotiate in good faith and accept the survival of the conference depends on the acceptance of this offer at the best terms they can negotiate... but the ACC doesn't have much leverage.


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
If the ACC doesn't settle with FSU & Clemson, then ESPN will not pick up the option on its TV contract. They will have no TV revenue beginning in 2027 and the conference will breach the terms of the GoR thus voiding it.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
Expect a settlement in time to allow FSU and Clemson to begin SEC play in 2025/2026.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
And yes, ESPN will pressure the SEC to take them both. Why? ESPN has accepted the inevitable departure of FSU & Clemson from the ACC. ESPN losses considerable money if FSU and Clemson end up in the Big Ten. ESPN will do everything it can to avoid that scenario.


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
But, here's a warning to the ACC and its fans. The ACC can't play hardball. If it becomes clear the ACC and FSU/Clemson can't reach an agreement, then ESPN will promptly decline the 2027 ACC option and engineer the move of the ACC's top football properties to the SEC & Big 12.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
The Big 12 would benefit the most from the ACC's refusal to use common sense and avoid disaster. But it would necessarily be an economic boon the Big 12. Think pro rata additions... plus a contract extension that gives the Big 12 security until 2036.


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
The takeaway is this... The ACC can save itself by being pragmatic. But an agreement of this nature requires that all parties involved use common sense and see the writing on the wall clearly.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
Unfortunately, it's not an automatic that the ACC realizes its predicament and accepts it has no choice but listen to ESPN. There's a fault line running through the ACC that divides its membership in half.

C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
Some, like UNC, are going to be unhappy. The question is will the ACC's new contract - resulting from a settlement - pay schools like Louisville, Miami, NCST, and VT enough? Will the renegotiated contract pay enough to win a supermajority of votes needed to approve a settlement?


C.W. Lambert@InsideTheBig12
·
11h
Here's my advice to the ACC... remember what happened to the Pac 12.

 

[KryHavok]

The whole thing just seems like a convoluted money laundering operation moving teams here and there to rewrite media contracts...only thing that seems somewhat clear is that ESPN won't even move a toothpick to get UConn into a Px conference.

 

[Rufus]

FSU hates ESPN as much as they hate the ACC. FSU is going to chart its own future and I think that involves the B1G, not the SEC.

 

[Fairfield_1st]

He completely ignored that once a deal is made for them to move to the SEC, doesn't that force the ACC to make a deal with anyone that wants to leave? And if enough leave, they may not have a conference left anyway.

 

[ZooCougar]

The ACC needs to man up.

The know that the three bigs are gone.

But they need to solidify what’s left.

The only way to do that is by striking the Big 12. Poach WVU and Cincy. They don’t fit anyways there.

Then you add UConn and boom. You have old Big East again. That holds a ton of value.

If they don’t do something like this then best case they end as a new version of the AAC, or worse the PAC 12; dead.

 

[billybud]

and if FSU-Clemson don't take the deal...and if ESPN does not renew...the ACC GOR is dead and all schools can go wherever someone wants them...no penalty...no rights owned.

The GOR states that rights are given to the ACC to meet the requirements of the ESPN contract...no contract ? It's over...mad scramble.

 

[Jbirdp5]

He completely ignored that once a deal is made for them to move to the SEC, doesn't that force the ACC to make a deal with anyone that wants to leave? And if enough leave, they may not have a conference left anyway.

Agree, I thought that seemed obvious that they can’t just manipulate the conference for those two and expect a brand like North Carolina to just sit on their hands and accept it.

 

[jostar1]

Good discussion in favor of adding UConn to the Big 12 when the ACC breaks up.

 

[cellocgg]

Good discussion in favor of adding UConn to the Big 12 when the ACC breaks up.

I've seen a very disproportionate amount of K-State fans in particular advocating for UConn in the B12 online. Not sure why but I'll take it

 

[LBird33]

Rule #1.

 

[KryHavok]

Good discussion in favor of adding UConn to the Big 12 when the ACC breaks up.

What the deuce!? We have in one week an eastern (NJ) earthquake, a total eclipse across the continental US, back-to-back men's BB champions, ESPN pundits calling us blue bloods, and BIG12 podcasters talking about adding UConn to the BIG12, and oh my the way, our football isn't so horrible that it will improve with Px money...when the hell is Zuul gonna show up cuz the end is nigh.

 

[UConnTrumbull]

Good discussion in favor of adding UConn to the Big 12 when the ACC breaks up.

They had their chance last summer. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still take it. But feels over.

 

[Forte]

They had their chance last summer. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still take it. But feels over.

Agree ... last summer was our chance and it collapsed. All the talk, hype, championships will not change BIG12 PRESIDENTS opinions. They already made it clear how they feel about UConn same as ACC. UConn just needs these conferences to eat each other and cause chaos... then MAYBE ... MAYBE UConn has a chance. Except for Rule #1

 

[NH Husky]

They had their chance last summer. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still take it. But feels over.

Gotta disagree.
Currently there is more national buzz regarding UConn hoops compounded with the ratings numbers for both men’s and women’s than I can ever remember.
Yormark had his vision. I think the existing powers-that-be of the Big 12 said something like “The four corners football brands are strong and easily getable now (2023). UConn will be available next year along with some other basketball powerhouses next year (2024). Grant us our wish and we’ll grant yours.”
And as K State guys said, given some more money UConn will become competitive in football again. I do believe that is the national perception of ADs regarding our football. UConn has shown it knows how to fund successful teams.

 

[Kolumbo]

Gotta disagree.
Currently there is more national buzz regarding UConn hoops compounded with the ratings numbers for both men’s and women’s than I can ever remember.
Yormark had his vision. I think the existing powers-that-be of the Big 12 said something like “The four corners football brands are strong and easily getable now (2023). UConn will be available next year along with some other basketball powerhouses next year (2024). Grant us our wish and we’ll grant yours.”
And as K State guys said, given some more money UConn will become competitive in football again. I do believe that is the national perception of ADs regarding our football. UConn has shown it knows how to fund successful teams.

Oh Grasshopper. We all know this but it won't matter. The Big 12 just invited 3 former C-USA programs. It could invite a back-to-back basketball championship program and the football team would no doubt flourish with Big 12 money. They could even offer UConn reduced shares and we'd probably take it. But that makes too much sense.

Everyone will probably wait to see what happens with the ACC but make no mistake about it, whether the ACC comes stays lays or prays, UConn will take the roundhouse squarely in the nutsack.

 

[KryHavok]

Everyone will probably wait to see what happens with the ACC but make no mistake about it, whether the ACC comes stays lays or prays, UConn will take the roundhouse squarely in the nutsack.

It's an art form to take hit after hit.

 

[NH Husky]

Oh Grasshopper. We all know this but it won't matter. The Big 12 just invited 3 former C-USA programs. It could invite a back-to-back basketball championship program and the football team would no doubt flourish with Big 12 money. They could even offer UConn reduced shares and we'd probably take it. But that makes too much sense.

Everyone will probably wait to see what happens with the ACC but make no mistake about it, whether the ACC comes stays lays or prays, UConn will take the roundhouse squarely in the nutsack.

Obviously I’m the half full grasshopper and your the half starving one.
If taking a roundhouse squarely in the nutsack feels like last Monday night then keep them coming.
I’m enjoying being a UConn fan a lot more than being a Syracuse, BC, or Rutgers fan.

 

[buddy]

Good discussion in favor of adding UConn to the Big 12 when the ACC breaks up.

I hate to be this way, but don't believe it. If they really wanted UConn, they do not need to wait until the ACC breaks up. They would invite UConn now. As a matter of fact, they would much more likely take Louisville, Pitt, and maybe Cuse to get the NYC market before UConn.

 

[cellocgg]

I hate to be this way, but don't believe it. If they really wanted UConn, they do not need to wait until the ACC breaks up. They would invite UConn now. As a matter of fact, they would much more likely take Louisville, Pitt, and maybe Cuse to get the NYC market before UConn.

None of those guys move the NYC market, not even Syracuse

Also UConn nearly squeaked into the B12 last year. We could easily be on their shortlist after this natty. Conference moves won't happen now, they will happen well into summer when the schoolyear is over so we'll see what's in store. We wouldn't hear anything substantial now