What Can UConn Do To Be Competitive If an Opening Comes Up In ACC? | Page 3 | The Boneyard

What Can UConn Do To Be Competitive If an Opening Comes Up In ACC?

Butch said:
College sports has become commoditized by corporations. That being said, the UConn athletic department just needs to be competent, at least, and we'll be in some power conference. We have over 20 national titles. Not many schools can say that.

Hard to believe conference alignment is now being based on athletics and markets. The development of transportation and media outlets sure changed how conferences take shape now. The large majority of Ivy League schools are near or on Post Road between Boston to Philadelphia.
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The world changes...when I was 18, people watched football primarily in person, at the stadium....they did have a couple of black and white broadcasts that you could watch on the big sceen (17 inches was big at the time). But most people that actually watched a game, did so in person.

Football conferences were based on regionalty or some commonality...when I got to college, we travelled..it was a lifestyle. In person viewing at many schools is still a lifestyle for those that do.....but TV and big screen,
high def is changing that mode for many.

And football has grown beyond school fandom...we watch football games of teams that we aren't really fans of...it has become TV entertainment...let's find a good match up and grab a beer.
 
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And you know, Butch...

We are in a strange transition zone...

On the one hand, we still view football in the old traditional mode...a game played by school boys that fans would cheer. The way it was in 1964 when I graduated high school.

On the other, we have programs spending $100 million a year on athletics and TV paying billions with millions watching the top 10 or so games every week. A different world that is discordant with the former view.

Some programs are outriders of this phenomenom...maybe more like the Ivy League where football is still played without the entertainment trappings...we bemoan the commercialized aspect of the sport while yearning to have its rewards.

The dichotomy can't last forever...and thus the move into two camps...the monied and the not. I think that it will continue in that direction as we become more comfortable with football as it is today.
 
billybud said:
And you know, Butch...

We are in a strange transition zone...

On the one hand, we still view football in the old traditional mode...a game played by school boys that fans would cheer. The way it was in 1964 when I graduated high school.

On the other, we have programs spending $100 million a year on athletics and TV paying billions with millions watching the top 10 or so games every week. A different world that is discordant with the former view.

Some programs are outriders of this phenomenom...maybe more like the Ivy League where football is still played without the entertainment trappings...we bemoan the commercialized aspect of the sport while yearning to have its rewards.

The dichotomy can't last forever...and thus the move into two camps...the monied and the not. I think that it will continue in that direction as we become more comfortable with football as it is today.
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Humans are generally raised to believe they have ego-based issues. The spiritual realm is not enough for most.

Imagine the Ivies going back to their theological roots.
 


The ACC is definitely looking to expand, if my literacy skills are still intact. They'll probably take Wesleyan over us. 🤪
 
Many of us are, perhaps, like the Ivies in that regard.

Who we have been at different times in our life is incorporated into who we are today. But we are not static...we move on.

If we are lucky, we have a solid base from our youth. We have roots. But we do evolve.

And football, I think, is the same.
 
UConn will be very lucky to go .500 over the next couple of seasons and if the goal is to schedule more P5 programs the record will reflect that. I keep looking at Cinci and Houston. The great state of Ohio is 7th in terms of population and has only one P5 program. Houston is the 4th largest city.

I'm not sure UConn would be next in line if the ACC is ever looking to expand.
 
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Kolumbo said:
UConn will be very lucky to go .500 over the next couple of seasons and if the goal is to schedule more P5 programs the record will reflect that. I keep looking at Cinci and Houston. The great state of Ohio is 7th in terms of population and has only one P5 program. Houston is the 4th largest city.

I'm not sure UConn would be next in line if the ACC is ever looking to expand.
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Based on conference realignment rule #1, they will be, only to be stepped over at the last second.

We're a good fit for the ACC, well not the original ACC but this version that is the ACC plus Old Big East schools. That said, I don't see the economics justifying expansion.

I'm not in any hurry to move on. I'm enjoying the prospect of more Big East games.
 
CL82 said:
Based on conference realignment rule #1, they will be, only to be stepped over at the last second.

We're a good fit for the ACC, well not the original ACC but this version that is the ACC plus Old Big East schools. That said, I don't see the economics justifying expansion.

I'm not in any hurry to move on. I'm enjoying the prospect of more Big East games.
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I would agree with your post, except for the next to last sentence. The thought of some of P5 schools that are absolutely no better than UConn raking in 30-70 million a year, while UConn in the Big East is getting a pittance, is just not right.
 
buddy said:
I would agree with your post, except for the next to last sentence. The thought of some of P5 schools that are absolutely no better than UConn raking in 30-70 million a year, while UConn in the Big East is getting a pittance, is just not right.
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Agree, financially but I'm glad to be out of the American and playing against teams that are reasonable distances (mostly) from the school.

Buddy what do think the likelihood is of further CR in the near term? I don't see it it happening.
 
billybud said:
The proof is in the movement of the revenue...as a moon's density may be calculated by the gravitational pull on a planet...the value of the Big Ten's additions may be surmised by the increased contract revenue.

The Big Ten had major media money upgrades in 2017...The media payed more because the product was more valuable.

...Earlier this month, USA Today reported that the Big Ten’s revenue in 2018 was $759,000,000—up 48% from 2017. The increase was mostly attributable to a new media rights deal the went into effect in 2018. (That same media rights deal is why we now get fewer Big Ten basketball games on ESPN2 and ESPNU, and more on Fox and FS1.)

....FORBES
But no one, even Delany could predict what would happen in 2015. By adding Maryland and Rutgers, the conference was able to go back and renegotiate all their carriage rights deals. In June 2015, they reported a whopping 33% one year increase of revenues (including the brand new College Football Playoff infusion of cash). By 2018, all media deals collectively brought in $759 million dollars.


...Dennis Dodd, a Senior Writer at CBS Sports, reported on Thursday that Big Ten members will each receive over $60 million in media rights revenue in 2025. That number is expected to increase to $70 million by the end of the decade. This number includes the money earned from media rights to both football and basketball, as well as anything earned from the typically non-revenue sports.
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The money increased because of the addition of the two teams just as the money increased in the ACC when Pitt and SU joined.

My question was whether ESPN actually increased the number of cable boxes in the NY/NJ area?
 
What happens to conference realignment when broadcast agreements start to expire in a couple of years? Will the B12 survive? If UConn is still stuck with FB independence/New Big East could it join with an east coast division of B12 along with Army, Navy, Tulane etc.? Obviously, ACC or B10 are better options.
 
CL82 said:
Agree, financially but I'm glad to be out of the American and playing against teams that are reasonable distances (mostly) from the school.

Buddy what do think the likelihood is of further CR in the near term? I don't see it it happening.
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I am far from an expert, just a die hard UConn fan and alumnus and an angry old man. when it comes to CR. I agree that UConn and the American were not a good fit, and it is too bad that UConn didn't go the indy route in football when the American was starting and UConn may have been able to stay in the Big East for olympic sports and never been a member of the American to begin with. I don't think it is fair either that schools who have far worse athletics departments than UConn are getting a big payday, especially some of our former Big East brethren now in the ACC. I have been of the belief that UConn administration flubbed its chance when Louisville was chosen. I am of the belief that the state legislators did nothing to advance UConn to the P5. I am of the belief that ESPN could have been forced by the State to be sure UConn was included. I believe that there will be conference realignment again, but it will be a contraction, not addition. I don't know if the GOR protects conference members or only the conference itself.
Some think ND will join the ACC and they will then balance by addition. I doubt that that would happen.
Happy New Year!
 
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SU1968 said:
The money increased because of the addition of the two teams just as the money increased in the ACC when Pitt and SU joined.

My question was whether ESPN actually increased the number of cable boxes in the NY/NJ area?
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It is irrelevant....the money increased...whether because of more viewers we do not know...more teams doesn't automatically translate to more money for the network unless it adds network revenue...the Big 12 would be more than 10 teams if just adding teams made for more revenue.

The assumption is that more revenue pumped into the networks so more revenue could be paid to the conference.
 
billybud said:
..the Big 12 would be more than 10 teams if just adding teams made for more revenue.
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The additional teams must generate not just more money, but enough money so that average per school payout does not fall.

The B12 paid out ~$37M to each school last year. Any additional school must generate an extra $37M in revenue, or per school payouts fall.

(Or somehow lower average costs -- eg, adding a school like Cinci to pair with WV for the trips East.)
 
vowelguy said:
The additional teams must generate not just more money, but enough money so that average per school payout does not fall.

The B12 paid out ~$37M to each school last year. Any additional school must generate an extra $37M in revenue, or per school payouts fall.

(Or somehow lower average costs -- eg, adding a school like Cinci to pair with WV for the trips East.)
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I just read how Nebraska has lost 36 consecutive Big Ten basketball games. Does anyone know if they bring in 50 million dollars to the B1G? Seems to me they have been going downhill since they joined the B1G in terms of athletic success. Of course, financially, they have hit the jackpot.
 
buddy said:
I just read how Nebraska has lost 36 consecutive Big Ten basketball games. Does anyone know if they bring in 50 million dollars to the B1G? Seems to me they have been going downhill since they joined the B1G in terms of athletic success. Of course, financially, they have hit the jackpot.
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Nebraska hoops was 2-18 last year in conference beating Purdue and Iowa so that can't be right, but the hoops is not good. Football has a losing conference record 4 years running. Nebraska should return to the Big 12.
 
Kolumbo said:
Nebraska hoops was 2-18 last year in conference beating Purdue and Iowa so that can't be right, but the hoops is not good. Football has a losing conference record 4 years running. Nebraska should return to the Big 12.
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If UConn can get its house in order for men's BB and football, Nebraska can leave for B12. Cincy can join them. Then, UConn and Kansas can join B10. Would provide the B10 with two elite BB programs. I think we are a better fit for ACC with Notre Dame joining, but if they do not want us, I think every UConn fan would be thrilled in any P5.
 
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I would still like to know if schools such as Nebraska bring in 50 million dollars to the Big Ten. Does Wake bring in 30 million to the ACC to justify their existence? For that matter does BCU, Cuse, or Pitt bring its share to the ACC? How much money does ESPN contribute to the Ct economy? Are they worth the tax breaks they have been getting while denying UConn its fair share? I wish someone can answer that question for me.
 
LoyalFanCT said:
If UConn can get its house in order for men's BB and football, Nebraska can leave for B12. Cincy can join them. Then, UConn and Kansas can join B10. Would provide the B10 with two elite BB programs. I think we are a better fit for ACC with Notre Dame joining, but if they do not want us, I think every UConn fan would be thrilled in any P5.
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Nebraska is not going to walk away from 50 million dollars away unless they are thrown out. UConn is not AAU so the chance of going to the B1G is negligible unless they change their tune.
 
buddy said:
I would still like to know if schools such as Nebraska bring in 50 million dollars to the Big Ten. Does Wake bring in 30 million to the ACC to justify their existence? For that matter does BCU, Cuse, or Pitt bring its share to the ACC? How much money does ESPN contribute to the Ct economy? Are they worth the tax breaks they have been getting while denying UConn its fair share? I wish someone can answer that question for me.
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No, those programs absolutely do not bring in that kind of revenue for their conferences. Those are the averages of course. Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, those programs are the big drivers. The Wakes and BC's are just ballast chief. I have to believe the ACC paying 4 programs for the same NC turf has to be a weakness, and none of them are your traditional football powers.

Regarding espn, it employs about 4,000 people in CT. That's a huge economic driver so yes, it is worth the tax breaks. espn still sucks. Not sure how current this info is:
  • Based in Bristol, Conn., with approximately 4,000 employees (6,000 worldwide) ESPN Plaza includes more than 1.3 million square feet in 19 buildings on 120 acres (additional 500,000 sq. ft. rented nearby).
 
Kolumbo said:
No, those programs absolutely do not bring in that kind of revenue for their conferences. Those are the averages of course. Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, those programs are the big drivers. The Wakes and BC's are just ballast chief. I have to believe the ACC paying 4 programs for the same NC turf has to be a weakness, and none of them are your traditional football powers.

Regarding espn, it employs about 4,000 people in CT. That's a huge economic driver so yes, it is worth the tax breaks. espn still sucks. Not sure how current this info is:
  • Based in Bristol, Conn., with approximately 4,000 employees (6,000 worldwide) ESPN Plaza includes more than 1.3 million square feet in 19 buildings on 120 acres (additional 500,000 sq. ft. rented nearby).
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Thank you.
 
Kolumbo said:
No, those programs absolutely do not bring in that kind of revenue for their conferences. Those are the averages of course. Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, those programs are the big drivers. The Wakes and BC's are just ballast chief. I have to believe the ACC paying 4 programs for the same NC turf has to be a weakness, and none of them are your traditional football powers.

Regarding espn, it employs about 4,000 people in CT. That's a huge economic driver so yes, it is worth the tax breaks. espn still sucks. Not sure how current this info is:
  • Based in Bristol, Conn., with approximately 4,000 employees (6,000 worldwide) ESPN Plaza includes more than 1.3 million square feet in 19 buildings on 120 acres (additional 500,000 sq. ft. rented nearby).
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ESPN laid off 300 in November and eliminated 200 open positions. Disney is slated to lay off 32,000 in the 1st quarter of 2021, 2/3rds from the parks. That leaves 8000 other Disney positions. You can be certain that Bristol will feel more pain. I believe that may jeopardize their subsidy status.
 
In todays New York Times, page 3, Ohio State athletics in 2019 generated 230 million dollars, of which 185 million came from football. How could UConn ever compete with that?
 
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buddy said:
In todays New York Times, page 3, Ohio State athletics in 2019 generated 230 million dollars, of which 185 million came from football. How could UConn ever compete with that?
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And probably more than the 185 is due to football
 
whalerfan said:
ESPN laid off 300 in November and eliminated 200 open positions. Disney is slated to lay off 32,000 in the 1st quarter of 2021, 2/3rds from the parks. That leaves 8000 other Disney positions. You can be certain that Bristol will feel more pain. I believe that may jeopardize their subsidy status.
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300 out of 4,000 isn't very large and layoffs are happening all over due to the pandemic. It's a tough time to judge what will happen to employment levels at any given company. espn's been in bristol since the beginning so I don't think its subsidies are in jeopardy. It's just too valuable an employer to mess with.
 
Kolumbo said:
No, those programs absolutely do not bring in that kind of revenue for their conferences. Those are the averages of course. Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, those programs are the big drivers. The Wakes and BC's are just ballast chief. I have to believe the ACC paying 4 programs for the same NC turf has to be a weakness, and none of them are your traditional football powers.

Regarding espn, it employs about 4,000 people in CT. That's a huge economic driver so yes, it is worth the tax breaks. espn still sucks. Not sure how current this info is:
  • Based in Bristol, Conn., with approximately 4,000 employees (6,000 worldwide) ESPN Plaza includes more than 1.3 million square feet in 19 buildings on 120 acres (additional 500,000 sq. ft. rented nearby).
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They've invested massive in that campus. They aren't going anywhere. If they want further tax breaks my answer would be to send in this guy to negotiate it.
1609729467057.png
 
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