True, any school can buy a basketball contender but I don't think that is a viable long-term plan for a conference of Catholic/private schools. The large state universities have more secure financial options. I don't think the Big East could maintain the elite brand appeal to keep up with the power conferences.If UConn leaves the Big East, that conference could still be good if they want to spend the money. You may find a non-traditional school with a sugar daddy with deep pockets. With NIL, any school willing to cough up the bucks can buy a BB contender every year, regardless of conference. Buying a contender in FB is a bigger reach, but can be done.