MUScoop

MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: Marquetteauburn on July 22, 2021, 03:09:41 PM

Title: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Marquetteauburn on July 22, 2021, 03:09:41 PM
My first hope after the breakup was always that we get UConn back too.

With all the buzz down here in SEC country about Texas and Oklahoma applying to get in the SEC, my first thought was whether West Virginia will still want to be a part of whatever is left of the Big 12 with the two big teams gone.

I wouldn't mind a 12-team Big East with WVU tradition going back to Jerry West, but that's one vote in 2025.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 22, 2021, 03:18:26 PM
My first hope after the breakup was always that we get UConn back too.

With all the buzz down here in SEC country about Texas and Oklahoma applying to get in the SEC, my first thought was whether West Virginia will still want to be a part of whatever is left of the Big 12 with the two big teams gone.

I wouldn't mind a 12-team Big East with WVU tradition going back to Jerry West, but that's one vote in 2025.

No one enters the BEAST without dropping football.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Its DJOver on July 22, 2021, 03:18:42 PM
West Virginia still has a football program correct?  I can't imagine they'd want to go independent i.e. UCONN.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Pakuni on July 22, 2021, 03:22:43 PM
WVU has and always will put football first.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Clam Crowder on July 22, 2021, 03:22:56 PM
No-the conference should stay as it is...It is a strong national brand, basketball centric, and geographically aligned. The ONLY program that I would want back in the Big East if they went back to independent in football is Notre Dame.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on July 22, 2021, 03:31:48 PM
Why settle for West Virgina? Maybe Kansas gives up on football  ;D
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: brewcity77 on July 22, 2021, 03:42:46 PM
No. We want Kansas.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 22, 2021, 03:44:45 PM
Why settle for West Virgina? Maybe Kansas gives up on football  ;D

Didn't they do that about a decade ago?  ;D
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 22, 2021, 03:45:44 PM
My first hope after the breakup was always that we get UConn back too.

With all the buzz down here in SEC country about Texas and Oklahoma applying to get in the SEC, my first thought was whether West Virginia will still want to be a part of whatever is left of the Big 12 with the two big teams gone.

I wouldn't mind a 12-team Big East with WVU tradition going back to Jerry West, but that's one vote in 2025.

I’d put this at .00000000000000000000000000000001%
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: dbwarriors on July 22, 2021, 04:08:18 PM
No-the conference should stay as it is...It is a strong national brand, basketball centric, and geographically aligned. The ONLY program that I would want back in the Big East if they went back to independent in football is Notre Dame.

Notre Dame is independent in football.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: WhiteTrash on July 22, 2021, 04:38:14 PM
Notre Dame is independent in football.
I think you meant "independent".

I think they have to play 7 games a year vs ACC teams.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Pakuni on July 22, 2021, 05:02:46 PM
I think you meant "independent".

I think they have to play 7 games a year vs ACC teams.

I believe it's a minimum of five, but more can be scheduled. This year it's five.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Scoop Snoop on July 22, 2021, 05:03:23 PM
There's not a snowball's chance in Hell that WVU is coming back to the BE.

 I think of the football conference realignments as athletic soap operas. I cannot see how anything coming out of all this that would somehow negatively affect the BE. Keep plenty of popcorn on hand to watch the show.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on July 22, 2021, 05:05:36 PM
It’s just nice to have a stable conference and not worry about this nonsense anymore.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: WhiteTrash on July 22, 2021, 07:40:29 PM
It’s just nice to have a stable conference and not worry about this nonsense anymore.
Amen!
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: CountryRoads on July 22, 2021, 07:55:05 PM
No thanks to any new teams. Considering the fact that we play Illinois, UCLA, UW, KState, Ole Miss, etc in the non conference, we don’t need any more teams. They always have a few good opponents year anyway and new teams just adds drama if they have football.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: tower912 on July 22, 2021, 08:02:54 PM
No.  Any school with P5 football aspirations is verboten.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: bilsu on July 22, 2021, 08:21:55 PM
Maybe Cincy will join the  Big 12.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: WhiteTrash on July 22, 2021, 08:24:30 PM
Weird to think schools like Baylor, TCU. Texas Tech and West Virginia being excluded from the national scene.

I guess it's good for Texas and Oklahoma but is it good for the sport? NIL money will be concentrated to a few.

Oh well,  the BE is strong.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Viper on July 22, 2021, 08:36:28 PM
If UT and OU do leave, maybe a program like North Dakota State moves up to the Big12. They certainly are football ready.  And, if Houston were to leave the AAC, Big12 is ok…and ‘Bama  will have two new programs in the SEC to a-kick. Meanwhile, the BE will be just fine as MU moves forward to hoops glory. Yeah!
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 22, 2021, 09:18:24 PM
If UT and OU do leave, maybe a program like North Dakota State moves up to the Big12. They certainly are football ready.  And, if Houston were to leave the AAC, Big12 is ok…and ‘Bama  will have two new programs in the SEC to a-kick. Meanwhile, the BE will be just fine as MU moves forward to hoops glory. Yeah!

Not a chance NDSU moves up, let alone straight to the Big 12. That’s a major financial investment (current athletics budget is $25 million, K State’s is $83 million, Iowa State’s $86 million), and the Fargodome isn’t nearly large enough for Big 12 play. They’ve said they’re happy at the FCS level.

Cincy, BYU, Colorado State, Houston, SMU, Boise State, Memphis will all be prime candidates to join.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: WhiteTrash on July 22, 2021, 10:02:39 PM
Not a chance NDSU moves up, let alone straight to the Big 12. That’s a major financial investment (current athletics budget is $25 million, K State’s is $83 million, Iowa State’s $86 million), and the Fargodome isn’t nearly large enough for Big 12 play. They’ve said they’re happy at the FCS level.

Cincy, BYU, Colorado State, Houston, SMU, Boise State, Memphis will all be prime candidates to join.
TCU, by far the smallest school(smaller than MU) in the Big XII spends $100 million on athletics.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Skip Intro on July 23, 2021, 08:37:21 AM
There's no way WVU comes back to the Big East.  Should Texas and OU actually jump ship, I could see the B12 actually adding 4 new schools to get back up to 12 and cushion he loss of their two monster programs.  Cincy, Houston, CSU, BYU, Boise State, and SMU are all good guesses.  It'd still be a good conference from both a football and bball perspective.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: DFW HOYA on July 23, 2021, 09:36:28 AM
No one enters the BEAST without dropping football.

Whew! Glad we got in before that rule...  ::)
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 23, 2021, 10:27:57 AM
Whew! Glad we got in before that rule...  ::)

Comparing FCS Georgetown football to FBS West Virginia football is pretty funny though.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Scoop Snoop on July 23, 2021, 10:38:16 AM
Comparing FCS Georgetown football to FBS West Virginia football is pretty funny though.

Speaking of funny, wouldn't it be hilarious if at the end of this season Buzz tries to get out of the Big 8/12 and interviews for a position with a BE team after trash talking the non FB conference in its infancy?
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: cheebs09 on July 23, 2021, 10:49:41 AM
Speaking of funny, wouldn't it be hilarious if at the end of this season Buzz tries to get out of the Big 8/12 and interviews for a position with a BE team after trash talking the non FB conference in its infancy?

TAMU is in the SEC currently.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Skip Intro on July 23, 2021, 11:06:30 AM
TAMU is in the SEC currently.

And from what I've read, they're definitely not happy about the prospects of UT and OU joining.  Although from a recruiting perspective, I could see it actually working out for Buzz - just adds more prestige to the league. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 23, 2021, 11:17:57 AM
Comparing FCS Georgetown football to FBS West Virginia football is pretty funny though.

UCONN?
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 23, 2021, 11:27:09 AM
The Big East won’t be adding anyone from this reshuffle.  None of the pieces left standing will be very attractive or of any real value.  Kansas is not coming to the Big East.  They matchup academically with the Big 14 and the basketball is attractive enough for that league to overlook geography and bad football.  The Big XII will exist in some zombie shape but it’s over as a powerhouse
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Scoop Snoop on July 23, 2021, 11:40:39 AM
TAMU is in the SEC currently.

Oops! My bad.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TallTitan34 on July 23, 2021, 11:45:45 AM
Seeing Kansas meeting with Big 10.

TCU, Texas Tech, and Baylor reaching out to Pac 12.

UCLA, USC, Oregon, Colorado talking to Big 10.

Rumors everywhere!
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Skip Intro on July 23, 2021, 12:04:59 PM
Seeing Kansas meeting with Big 10.

TCU, Texas Tech, and Baylor reaching out to Pac 12.

UCLA, USC, Oregon, Colorado talking to Big 10.

Rumors everywhere!

As others have said, being in the Big East sure is nice right now. 

The only school I could see leaving is UCONN (again), since they'll probably have some suitors as this all plays out.  But unless it's the Big 10 who comes knocking, I doubt that happens. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 23, 2021, 12:07:19 PM
As others have said, being in the Big East sure is nice right now. 

The only school I could see leaving is UCONN (again), since they'll probably have some suitors as this all plays out.  But unless it's the Big 10 who comes knocking, I doubt that happens.

No, its really not.

Those schools may band together and there will be no more NCAA as it currently exists.  The Big East may get left holding their dicks.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 23, 2021, 12:20:21 PM
Seeing Kansas meeting with Big 10.

TCU, Texas Tech, and Baylor reaching out to Pac 12.

UCLA, USC, Oregon, Colorado talking to Big 10.

Rumors everywhere!

None of that is happening.

As others have said, being in the Big East sure is nice right now. 


Sure, when we win the I-AA NCAA Basketball national title. That's where this is headed.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: WhiteTrash on July 23, 2021, 12:23:24 PM
Sure, when we win the I-AA NCAA Basketball national title. That's where this is headed.
A distinct possibility.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: DFW HOYA on July 23, 2021, 12:35:47 PM
Comparing FCS Georgetown football to FBS West Virginia football is pretty funny though.

Still have a winning record against the Mountaineers (7-4-2), which is the only Big 12 team they've played.

(http://www.hoyasaxa.com/sports/images/befb.jpg)
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on July 23, 2021, 12:46:23 PM
I think if the 4 super conferences break off,  the Big East will be invited along with whatever remains of the B12. I think they will want to keep at least a 32 team postseason tournament. March Madness sells
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on July 23, 2021, 12:54:54 PM
I think if the 4 super conferences break off,  the Big East will be invited along with whatever remains of the B12. I think they will want to keep at least a 32 team postseason tournament. March Madness sells

Yea I’m with ya. I can’t imagine there’s a scenario where the Big East doesn’t get taken along for the ride.

That’s nine national championships and a crap ton of Final 4s they’d be turning their back on.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Its DJOver on July 23, 2021, 12:55:26 PM
I think if the 4 super conferences break off,  the Big East will be invited along with whatever remains of the B12. I think they will want to keep at least a 32 team postseason tournament. March Madness sells

Why would the 4 16 team super conferences not just have a tourney amongst themselves where everyone gets a bid, and keep a 64 team format?  The more parties you invite, the more ways you're splitting the check, and isn't money the driving force behind all this?
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 23, 2021, 12:56:05 PM
I think if the 4 super conferences break off,  the Big East will be invited along with whatever remains of the B12. I think they will want to keep at least a 32 team postseason tournament. March Madness sells

Assuming the break off organization doesn't just add teams up to 32 based on media markets. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Galway Eagle on July 23, 2021, 01:19:47 PM
Assuming the break off organization doesn't just add teams up to 32 based on media markets.

Doubt they do that, that doesn't sell like the Cinderella story or home team story does to the casual fan.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TallTitan34 on July 23, 2021, 01:23:31 PM
Doubt they do that, that doesn't sell like the Cinderella story or home team story does to the casual fan.

Agreed. I think that would lose viewers since their schools/conferences wouldn’t be involved.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 23, 2021, 01:23:51 PM
Yea I’m with ya. I can’t imagine there’s a scenario where the Big East doesn’t get taken along for the ride.

That’s nine national championships and a crap ton of Final 4s they’d be turning their back on.


and that's why they won't be brought along. There's nothing the Power 5 hate more than seeing the little guys take their money and title.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 23, 2021, 01:27:09 PM
Doubt they do that, that doesn't sell like the Cinderella story or home team story does to the casual fan.

Won't matter.  They're going to gate keep it with a new tourney and in three years no one will care about any other tournament.  People will complain for the first two years, but once the writing is on the wall that the old format won't return people will move on.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 23, 2021, 01:28:09 PM
The Big East isn’t going to be left behind, folks.  If the NCAA ceases to exist, the Big East will be brought along with the Power 4 or 5 or whatever it is. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on July 23, 2021, 01:34:21 PM
Why would the 4 16 team super conferences not just have a tourney amongst themselves where everyone gets a bid, and keep a 64 team format?  The more parties you invite, the more ways you're splitting the check, and isn't money the driving force behind all this?

Could be. Personally I think that would hurt the overall product and eventually kill interest.

Won't matter.  They're going to gate keep it with a new tourney and in three years no one will care about any other tournament.  People will complain for the first two years, but once the writing is on the wall that the old format won't return people will move on.

I'm not sure there's enough interest to sustain that. College basketball is just bad basketball compared to the NBA. The thing that drives interest is the connection to schools. Take that away and I think it becomes another g league.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Lens on July 23, 2021, 01:35:53 PM
ZERO CHANCE THEY BREAK AWAY.

ZERO.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on July 23, 2021, 01:36:03 PM
I'm also not convinced the schools breakaway from the NCAA. They're getting everything they want and giving very little back. I think the model works very well for the P4
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Galway Eagle on July 23, 2021, 01:36:36 PM
Won't matter.  They're going to gate keep it with a new tourney and in three years no one will care about any other tournament.  People will complain for the first two years, but once the writing is on the wall that the old format won't return people will move on.

Let's say nova puts together another final four run or more, you don't think it'll be viewed as a bunch of people taking their ball and going home?

the Zags, Loyola, and Nova even Wichita st recently have put the bigger schools in that position if they did leave the public view would be them getting upset that they aren't as good as they think they should be.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Its DJOver on July 23, 2021, 01:48:09 PM
But would the power 4 take the entire BEast just to get Nova?  Would they take the entire WCC just to get Zags?  I think they would love Nova and Gonzaga for a basketball tourney considering where those two programs are right now, I just don't see them lining up to cut a check that DePaul will get a portion of.  Then consider that even the most prestigious basketball only schools bring in exactly zero football dollars, which is what's driving all of this anyways, and I think there's a very real chance that anyone not in the B10, Pac12, SEC or ACC gets left behind.  It's been a long time coming, but the path is becoming more and more clear.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: dgies9156 on July 23, 2021, 01:59:09 PM
Some thoughts on the Big 12

Pac 10 candidates
Texas Tech
Oklahoma State
Baylor
TCU

BIG Candidates
Iowa State
Kansas

ACC Candidate
West Virginia

Out in the Cold?
Kansas State

With this in mind, the Pac 10 gets some additional depth from the Texas Schools. While I'll admit travel from Texas to Pullman and Corvallis gets to be a pain in the royal rear, but this also gives some geographical balance for Colorado and Utah. I could see K-State going west rather than being out in the cold to bring additional balance.

The BIG would take Kansas and would be a dynamite basketball conference. Period. It adds Kansas City and gives the conference additional panache in basketball. Iowa State is a natural rival for Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota in both football and basketball. I'm sure Iowa would fight this but it's a good rivalry game.

West Virginia probably should be in the ACC anyway. If the ACC won't take 'em, they'll be with Cincinnati et all in the AAC.

I still think K-State is the wildcat out and all I can think is they end up in the Mountain West.

As to the NCAA withdrawal, I would imagine if the Big 4 bolt (SEC, ACC, BIG and Pac10), the BEast would be invited to join everything except football. While the NCAA promotes parity and mid-majors in their tournament, a Big 4+BEast would ensure NO game in the NCAA basketball tournament would be weak one and we'd all do really well. No more leaving Syracuse out but taking Coastal Carolina or UMBC.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Galway Eagle on July 23, 2021, 02:09:37 PM
But would the power 4 take the entire BEast just to get Nova?  Would they take the entire WCC just to get Zags?  I think they would love Nova and Gonzaga for a basketball tourney considering where those two programs are right now, I just don't see them lining up to cut a check that DePaul will get a portion of.  Then consider that even the most prestigious basketball only schools bring in exactly zero football dollars, which is what's driving all of this anyways, and I think there's a very real chance that anyone not in the B10, Pac12, SEC or ACC gets left behind.  It's been a long time coming, but the path is becoming more and more clear.

I think they would. At the end of the day  if every blue blood was in the same conference then half those schools are going to lose that status. At least with us they bring in games taking place in major markets, multiple NBA arenas, and a lot of pedigree. Now I'm sure they'd fight us on any portion of football money and that negotiation would be rough but oh well.


Honestly at this point I'd just say screw it make a Catholic/private league, ND and BC can join if they want to.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TallTitan34 on July 23, 2021, 02:12:22 PM
BIG Candidates
Kansas

If anyone needs a laugh:

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kansas/index.html
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: GoldenWarrior11 on July 23, 2021, 02:40:14 PM
Since 2013, the Big East continues to enjoy the most stable form of alignment in conference history.  I do not enjoy seeing so many schools in the Big 12 this week, and their fans, filled with turmoil and uncertainty, preparing for a future of the unknown.  We saw UConn, Cincinnati and USF essentially dropped from the BCS/AQ/P5 grouping in 2011, and - this go-around - we will likely see many more suffer similar fates.  As previously mentioned, we should all be immensely grateful that our athletic department, and conference, is no longer bound by the greed and exploits of college football.  Our basketball programs play and compete at the highest levels, and that will not change.  For many reasons, evidenced by our relationships with the P5, we will undoubtedly be brought along with to whatever future college athletics has in this era of NIL and D1 consolidation. 

For the Big East, we can simply sit and watch.  West Virginia is not UConn.  Not only are they not a basketball-first athletic department, but they were not even a founding member of the Big East, nor are they one of the original Big East programs that made basketball special.  There is no desire from the conference to add them. 

As of today, my prediction would be that no other P conference adds any of the remnants of the Big 12; the value isn't there.  The Big 12 will pick off the top of the MWC/AAC and move back to 10 or 12 members.  The AAC will be replaced by the Big 12 as the new tweener conference, and any continued efforts to proclaim the AAC as a power basketball conference will quickly (and quietly) be eliminated. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 23, 2021, 03:15:09 PM
Some thoughts on the Big 12

Pac 10 candidates
Texas Tech
Oklahoma State
Baylor
TCU

BIG Candidates
Iowa State
Kansas

ACC Candidate
West Virginia

Out in the Cold?
Kansas State

With this in mind, the Pac 10 gets some additional depth from the Texas Schools. While I'll admit travel from Texas to Pullman and Corvallis gets to be a pain in the royal rear, but this also gives some geographical balance for Colorado and Utah. I could see K-State going west rather than being out in the cold to bring additional balance.

The BIG would take Kansas and would be a dynamite basketball conference. Period. It adds Kansas City and gives the conference additional panache in basketball. Iowa State is a natural rival for Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota in both football and basketball. I'm sure Iowa would fight this but it's a good rivalry game.

West Virginia probably should be in the ACC anyway. If the ACC won't take 'em, they'll be with Cincinnati et all in the AAC.

I still think K-State is the wildcat out and all I can think is they end up in the Mountain West.

As to the NCAA withdrawal, I would imagine if the Big 4 bolt (SEC, ACC, BIG and Pac10), the BEast would be invited to join everything except football. While the NCAA promotes parity and mid-majors in their tournament, a Big 4+BEast would ensure NO game in the NCAA basketball tournament would be weak one and we'd all do really well. No more leaving Syracuse out but taking Coastal Carolina or UMBC.

The Big Ten isn’t taking Iowa State. Cmon…
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Its DJOver on July 23, 2021, 03:20:43 PM
The Big Ten isn’t taking Iowa State. Cmon…

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/nbcsports/report-kansas-iowa-state-set-up-call-with-big-ten/2563042/

Think the B10 could do better than ISU, and not sure how Iowa would feel, but it is one of the better fits geographically.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 23, 2021, 03:22:04 PM
The Big Ten isn’t taking Iowa State. Cmon…

I think Kansas is a take and they’ll also pursue Georgia Tech, UNC and Virginia with Georgia Tech being the most likely out of that group.  KU hoops is valuable enough to offset the bad football and geography.  The other addition will be about market
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 23, 2021, 03:30:00 PM
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/nbcsports/report-kansas-iowa-state-set-up-call-with-big-ten/2563042/

Think the B10 could do better than ISU, and not sure how Iowa would feel, but it is one of the better fits geographically.

Duplicating the state of Iowa makes little sense. I would be shocked.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: dgies9156 on July 23, 2021, 03:44:12 PM
Since 2013, the Big East continues to enjoy the most stable form of alignment in conference history.  I do not enjoy seeing so many schools in the Big 12 this week, and their fans, filled with turmoil and uncertainty, preparing for a future of the unknown.  We saw UConn, Cincinnati and USF essentially dropped from the BCS/AQ/P5 grouping in 2011, and - this go-around - we will likely see many more suffer similar fates.  As previously mentioned, we should all be immensely grateful that our athletic department, and conference, is no longer bound by the greed and exploits of college football.  Our basketball programs play and compete at the highest levels, and that will not change.  For many reasons, evidenced by our relationships with the P5, we will undoubtedly be brought along with to whatever future college athletics has in this era of NIL and D1 consolidation. 

For the Big East, we can simply sit and watch.  West Virginia is not UConn.  Not only are they not a basketball-first athletic department, but they were not even a founding member of the Big East, nor are they one of the original Big East programs that made basketball special.  There is no desire from the conference to add them. 

As of today, my prediction would be that no other P conference adds any of the remnants of the Big 12; the value isn't there.  The Big 12 will pick off the top of the MWC/AAC and move back to 10 or 12 members.  The AAC will be replaced by the Big 12 as the new tweener conference, and any continued efforts to proclaim the AAC as a power basketball conference will quickly (and quietly) be eliminated.

Best Marquette/Big East oriented comment of all.

Makes too much sense.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 23, 2021, 05:27:38 PM
I think Kansas is a take and they’ll also pursue Georgia Tech, UNC and Virginia with Georgia Tech being the most likely out of that group.  KU hoops is valuable enough to offset the bad football and geography.  The other addition will be about market

West Virginnie
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 23, 2021, 05:34:49 PM
West Virginnie

Not an AAU member.  I’m not sure that’ll matter this time but it could be a deterrent
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 23, 2021, 05:44:40 PM
Not an AAU member.  I’m not sure that’ll matter this time but it could be a deterrent

Nebraska isn't a member.

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/losing-aau-status-not-fatal-for-nebraska/article_e93dccc6-ed16-11e5-9aa9-0312c0e2e5e6.html
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on July 23, 2021, 05:45:23 PM
Nebraska isn't a member.

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/losing-aau-status-not-fatal-for-nebraska/article_e93dccc6-ed16-11e5-9aa9-0312c0e2e5e6.html

They were when they joined.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 23, 2021, 05:47:36 PM
They were when they joined.

The point is that it probably doesn't matter.  They've only been a B1G member since 2011, and then within five years, lost their AAU status.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 23, 2021, 06:39:48 PM
The point is that it probably doesn't matter.  They've only been a B1G member since 2011, and then within five years, lost their AAU status.

Yeah, I’m not sure it’ll matter.  That said, I don’t think West Virginia will be a target
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: DFW HOYA on July 23, 2021, 06:51:47 PM
For the Big East, we can simply sit and watch.  West Virginia is not UConn.  Not only are they not a basketball-first athletic department, but they were not even a founding member of the Big East, nor are they one of the original Big East programs that made basketball special.  There is no desire from the conference to add them. 

Let's sit back and watch schools be shocked, shocked that ESPN has a hand in this.

Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 23, 2021, 07:43:08 PM
Let's sit back and watch schools be shocked, shocked that ESPN has a hand in this.

ESPN will be nothing but SEC football in the fall. Maybe a PAC 12 or MWC game kicking off at 11pm EST.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TallTitan34 on July 23, 2021, 08:23:29 PM
Guy who had OU and Texas to SEC now saying Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State, and Clemson have had talks with SEC.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Frenns Liquor Depot on July 23, 2021, 08:25:58 PM
Guy who had OU and Texas to SEC now saying Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State, and Clemson have had talks with SEC.

I think this is logical. With NIL and unlimited transfer, a super conference is the way to go.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: TallTitan34 on July 23, 2021, 08:40:14 PM
I like it from the aspect of it running a potential four 16 team conference tournament.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 23, 2021, 08:52:58 PM
Guy who had OU and Texas to SEC now saying Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State, and Clemson have had talks with SEC.

If Michigan and Ohio State left the Big 14 for the SEC, they couldn’t surgically remove the smile from my face for decades
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: muwarrior69 on July 24, 2021, 05:43:33 AM
At this point why don't all the power conferences just merge into one super conference. This way they can schedule all the games as they see fit while also keeping all the local rivalry games. Also they can also keep all their non revenue sports to compete within their local region and keep travel manageable.

They would call the shots just like the NFL, negotiating with all the TV outlets, and not having ESPN drive all this turmoil.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Tha Hound on July 24, 2021, 12:31:37 PM
If Michigan and Ohio State left the Big 14 for the SEC, they couldn’t surgically remove the smile from my face for decades

Got to say broader consequences aside, the Big 10 losing their two most important members would be downright hilarious
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Viper on July 24, 2021, 02:30:04 PM
For what it’s worth, heard on espn radio today that UConn and the ACC have an interest in a discussion.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: HutchwasClutch on July 24, 2021, 02:36:21 PM
For what it’s worth, heard on espn radio today that UConn and the ACC have an interest in a discussion.

After they’ve been snubbed by that conference for the last decade, and after the Big East embraced them when their athletic programs needed to get out of the AAC, wow, that would be some kind of jackass move to pull off.

And I think it’s definitely arguable whether the ACC would be better for them.  See Pitt and Syracuse since jumping ship. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: MU82 on July 24, 2021, 02:41:42 PM
After they’ve been snubbed by that conference for the last decade, and after the Big East embraced them when their athletic programs needed to get out of the AAC, wow, that would be some kind of jackass move to pull off.

And I think it’s definitely arguable whether the ACC would be better for them.  See Pitt and Syracuse since jumping ship.

I agree with every word you say here, Hutch.

I'll close by saying that if UConn leaves, eff 'em.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: HutchwasClutch on July 24, 2021, 02:49:32 PM
I agree with every word you say here, Hutch.

I'll close by saying that if UConn leaves, eff 'em.

Especially with a wandering eye after ONE season back.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on July 24, 2021, 02:50:35 PM
Especially with a wandering eye after ONE season back.

It would cost them so much money as well. I think 30 million if they leave before five years.

Their athletic department is already in the hole.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: HutchwasClutch on July 24, 2021, 03:04:34 PM
It would cost them so much money as well. I think 30 million if they leave before five years.

Their athletic department is already in the hole.

Yeah, figured there’s a huge penalty if they leave early. 

Unreal.  We’ll see if anything comes of it.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Viper on July 24, 2021, 04:52:40 PM
After they’ve been snubbed by that conference for the last decade, and after the Big East embraced them when their athletic programs needed to get out of the AAC, wow, that would be some kind of jackass move to pull off.

And I think it’s definitely arguable whether the ACC would be better for them.  See Pitt and Syracuse since jumping ship.
and, I thought UConn was canning football or dropping down.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Scoop Snoop on July 24, 2021, 05:48:25 PM
Is anybody really surprised by this? I had mixed feelings about them joining for a number of reasons. Maybe its just all loose talk but if it happened, what's not to like about $30 mil?

A greater concern would be if they are brought in for basketball only and not share in the FB revenues. I seriously doubt this would happen but if it did, it would set a very dangerous precedent.



Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: cheebs09 on July 24, 2021, 06:29:07 PM
It would cost them so much money as well. I think 30 million if they leave before five years.

Their athletic department is already in the hole.

I would assume if the ACC wanted to, they could pay that penalty. But I’m not sure UCONN brings an extra $30M in revenue compared to other options.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: MU82 on July 24, 2021, 07:43:53 PM
Is anybody really surprised by this? I had mixed feelings about them joining for a number of reasons. Maybe its just all loose talk but if it happened, what's not to like about $30 mil?

See, I had no mixed feelings. I think they add tremendously to the Big East in basketball, but if they leave the Big East won't be any worse off than before they came back. It really was a no-lose situation for the Big East.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on July 24, 2021, 09:11:07 PM
After they’ve been snubbed by that conference for the last decade, and after the Big East embraced them when their athletic programs needed to get out of the AAC, wow, that would be some kind of jackass move to pull off.

And I think it’s definitely arguable whether the ACC would be better for them.  See Pitt and Syracuse since jumping ship.

See the New Haven Register article I posted in the Superbar thread why it's most unlikely they leave the Big East. 
(They still owe the AAC and they would owe the Big East $30mil and they won't see much revenue for several years, etc.)
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 24, 2021, 10:57:25 PM
For what it’s worth, heard on espn radio today that UConn and the ACC have an interest in a discussion.

How much of this discussion could be just the ACC (or a rep) reaching out to gauge interest and that’s it?
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Viper on July 25, 2021, 08:47:50 AM
See, I had no mixed feelings. I think they add tremendously to the Big East in basketball, but if they leave the Big East won't be any worse off than before they came back. It really was a no-lose situation for the Big East.
…the perception, stigma, wouldn’t be good. As an original BE program, I feel UConn coming back adds to the conference. Should UConn leave is a loss beyond the court, IMO.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Frenns Liquor Depot on July 25, 2021, 09:38:21 AM
…the perception, stigma, wouldn’t be good. As an original BE program, I feel UConn coming back adds to the conference. Should UConn leave is a loss beyond the court, IMO.

I agree it's silly to say it wouldn't be a loss...they were a positive add/improvement when they entered the conference so by definition if they leave its a loss on the court and off.

That being said, my opinion is that it is just speculation for the sake of it versus real smoke.  The big pieces need to get set before the scrap eating schools start plotting moves.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: MU82 on July 25, 2021, 01:28:47 PM
I agree it's silly to say it wouldn't be a loss...they were a positive add/improvement when they entered the conference so by definition if they leave its a loss on the court and off.

That being said, my opinion is that it is just speculation for the sake of it versus real smoke.  The big pieces need to get set before the scrap eating schools start plotting moves.

OK ... I'll amend ... I don't think there would be any significant long-term "stigma" against the Big East. UConn would get more grief in the "perception battle" than the Big East would IMHO.

The Big East has been through a heck of a lot worse in the last decade than one flighty school leaving.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: CountryRoads on July 25, 2021, 02:37:13 PM
I doubt the ACC would add UCONN. Their football program is a joke. It backfired on the ACC last realignment when they sneakily tried to prioritize improving their basketball conference over football. They should have instead tried to poach better football programs from other conferences. Losing Florida State and Clemson will make that conference a complete mess. Sort of AAC quality actually.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: GoldenWarrior11 on July 25, 2021, 03:25:57 PM
For a school that had a 40+ million athletic budget deficit, the idea that this same school would pony up another $30 million in exit fees (per the Big East agreement with UConn during the first six years in the league) is genuinely laughable.

UConn is not going anywhere. If anything, with this new FBS landscape unfolding before our eyes, there is a stronger likelihood of UConn moving to FBS-1B than it is to move to a P4 conference.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 25, 2021, 04:38:59 PM
For a school that had a 40+ million athletic budget deficit, the idea that this same school would pony up another $30 million in exit fees (per the Big East agreement with UConn during the first six years in the league) is genuinely laughable.

UConn is not going anywhere. If anything, with this new FBS landscape unfolding before our eyes, there is a stronger likelihood of UConn moving to FBS-1B than it is to move to a P4 conference.

$30 million is nothing compared to the jump in rights fees they’d get. That would be paid off in two years.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: f/k/a humanlung on July 25, 2021, 08:05:09 PM
Why settle for West Virgina? Maybe Kansas gives up on football  ;D

Looking at their record over the last decade or two, one can argue they already have.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: oldwarrior81 on July 26, 2021, 09:14:11 AM
I would guess Kansas has the BigTen, Pac 12 and ACC all on their speed dial before the BigEast.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Hards Alumni on July 26, 2021, 09:20:27 AM
Looking at their record over the last decade or two, one can argue they already have.

Hey that's my joke!   Great minds and all...
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Warrior Code on July 26, 2021, 09:23:07 AM
Looks like it's no longer an "if"

https://twitter.com/Andy_Staples/status/1419663790552006657
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: LAZER on July 26, 2021, 10:39:43 AM
$30 million is nothing compared to the jump in rights fees they’d get. That would be paid off in two years.
Is adding UConn financially advantageous for the other ACC members?
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 26, 2021, 10:46:29 AM
Is adding UConn financially advantageous for the other ACC members?

Probably not, which is why it is quite doubtful they would make the offer, but UConn would take it in a heartbeat.  Seriously people think UConn would stick with the BE with their $2 million payout, plus whatever they can scramble for their football rights fees, versus an eight figure payout from the ACC?

Let's just say that the ACC payout is $20 million a year.  A $30 million exit fee isn't stopping that.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Skip Intro on July 26, 2021, 10:59:39 AM
It appears as though the ACC is looking to expand to counter the SEC (and perhaps avoid a B12-esque catastrophe if Clemson and FSU were to leave).  I have no doubt WVU would be a main target, and I could see one or both of UConn and Cincy being targets, as well.  I would be genuinely surprised if UConn is still in the Big East when this all shakes out.

So, if that's the case, does the Big East just go back to being a 10-team conference?  Or do we replace UConn?  Put me in the camp that would like to see Dayton in our league (**ducks**).
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: asdfasdf on July 26, 2021, 11:01:35 AM
Probably not, which is why it is quite doubtful they would make the offer, but UConn would take it in a heartbeat.  Seriously people think UConn would stick with the BE with their $2 million payout, plus whatever they can scramble for their football rights fees, versus an eight figure payout from the ACC?

Let's just say that the ACC payout is $20 million a year.  A $30 million exit fee isn't stopping that.


I was thinking about this also. How much would it take for a power football conference to pluck a team from the Big East? If the ACC offers a pro-rated share to Villanova at $8 million a year, that doubles what Villanova gets now from the Big East, and is a drop in the bucket for the ACC. No way Villanova turns that down.

This is why I think the Big East isn't as secure as people think. Yes, football drives the bus and basketball is an afterthought. But the Big East has no leverage. If the power football conferences want to start their own basketball tournament, they could easily pluck the best BBall only schools (Nova, Zags, etc...) and those BBall only conferences become an afterthought. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: muwarrior69 on July 26, 2021, 11:07:05 AM
For a school that had a 40+ million athletic budget deficit, the idea that this same school would pony up another $30 million in exit fees (per the Big East agreement with UConn during the first six years in the league) is genuinely laughable.

UConn is not going anywhere. If anything, with this new FBS landscape unfolding before our eyes, there is a stronger likelihood of UConn moving to FBS-1B than it is to move to a P4 conference.

I agree, but even if they did it would not matter much.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 26, 2021, 11:13:54 AM

I was thinking about this also. How much would it take for a power football conference to pluck a team from the Big East? If the ACC offers a pro-rated share to Villanova at $8 million a year, that doubles what Villanova gets now from the Big East, and is a drop in the bucket for the ACC. No way Villanova turns that down.

This is why I think the Big East isn't as secure as people think. Yes, football drives the bus and basketball is an afterthought. But the Big East has no leverage. If the power football conferences want to start their own basketball tournament, they could easily pluck the best BBall only schools (Nova, Zags, etc...) and those BBall only conferences become an afterthought. 


I just don't think Villanova, or any basketball school, is worth $8 million.  I don't think they are worth even half that.  Regular season ratings aren't great, and come tournament time, neutral fans are tuning in by and large no matter who is playing.  You are right that the BE has no leverage.  But we are in good company in that regard.  Hell, the B12 apparently has no leverage either.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: ZiggysFryBoy on July 26, 2021, 11:20:22 AM
F Uconn
F dayton
ND sucks
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: GoldenWarrior11 on July 26, 2021, 11:28:01 AM
It appears as though the ACC is looking to expand to counter the SEC (and perhaps avoid a B12-esque catastrophe if Clemson and FSU were to leave).  I have no doubt WVU would be a main target, and I could see one or both of UConn and Cincy being targets, as well.  I would be genuinely surprised if UConn is still in the Big East when this all shakes out.

So, if that's the case, does the Big East just go back to being a 10-team conference?  Or do we replace UConn?  Put me in the camp that would like to see Dayton in our league (**ducks**).

West Virginia has long had difficulty gaining admittance into the ACC.  Not only does it it not offer a top-25 athletic brand, but it comes from a weak recruiting state, a poor viewership state and its academics would be the lowest in the conference (even lower than Louisville, which the ACC academics were less than thrilled about).  The only expansion candidate for the ACC for #16 is Notre Dame, and they aren't coming.  Once again, there are no available brands out there that increase the value of the ACC's TV deal with ESPN (signed through 2036).  Any addition would just be adding another mouth to feed with the same pie. 


I was thinking about this also. How much would it take for a power football conference to pluck a team from the Big East? If the ACC offers a pro-rated share to Villanova at $8 million a year, that doubles what Villanova gets now from the Big East, and is a drop in the bucket for the ACC. No way Villanova turns that down.

This is why I think the Big East isn't as secure as people think. Yes, football drives the bus and basketball is an afterthought. But the Big East has no leverage. If the power football conferences want to start their own basketball tournament, they could easily pluck the best BBall only schools (Nova, Zags, etc...) and those BBall only conferences become an afterthought. 

Notre Dame, as a non-football member for the ACC, received just over $10 million from the ACC for 2019-20 (2020-21 will be different, since they were a full member) as a non-football member.  That value is placed based on the brand that ND has, which - respectfully - schools like Villanova and Georgetown (and Marquette) do not have.
 The ACC is not hurting for basketball members; basketball has historically been its bread and butter.  Pursuing adding a non-football member like Villanova does nothing to help secure long-term commitments from the likes of Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, etc. (football-first programs).  There is little reason why the ACC would seek out additional non-football members. 

The second component is that the hybrid model failed.  For many reasons, UConn is not getting an ACC invitation any time soon.  The C7 chose to leave the football schools for several reasons. 1) the revenues and payouts were no longer there.  2) it no longer wanted to be in the backseat to football decisions (i.e. inviting schools like UCF, SMU, Tulane, etc.).  3) Villanova is able to compete and win national championships while as a member of the Big East and 4) the Big East TV deal will be getting an increase when it resigns with Fox (likely in 2023/2024). 

The Big East is secure because it no longer has to deal with the headaches of P5 football.  Things can obviously change over time, but - after the events this past week - this landscape only proves that the Big East, as a non-football conference, were right in moving away from football and choosing to have a greater say and promotion with their bread and butter (basketball). 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: asdfasdf on July 26, 2021, 11:49:27 AM
I agree with everything you and FBM said. None of the football conferences are going to add a BBall only schools for $ right now. And the hybrid model doesn't work - right now.

The future I see is one where the football schools want their own basketball tournament so that they can keep all of that tournament $ for themselves. BBall only conferences would obviously object, but any leverage they have is lost by the fact that the absolute best BBall only programs could be bought from BBall only conferences for very little money. Villanova (or Marquette) would happily join a hybrid conference if the payouts are 2x what they're getting from the Big East. And in my opinion the power football conferences would make that offer if they felt having their own basketball tournament was worth it financially. The football cash cow will dry up eventually, or stop growing at it's current rate, and those conferences will look elsewhere to find growth.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: 🏀 on July 26, 2021, 11:53:56 AM

F dayton


ABD.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: LAZER on July 26, 2021, 11:56:24 AM
I agree with everything you and FBM said. None of the football conferences are going to add a BBall only schools for $ right now. And the hybrid model doesn't work - right now.

The future I see is one where the football schools want their own basketball tournament so that they can keep all of that tournament $ for themselves. BBall only conferences would obviously object, but any leverage they have is lost by the fact that the absolute best BBall only programs could be bought from BBall only conferences for very little money. Villanova (or Marquette) would happily join a hybrid conference if the payouts are 2x what they're getting from the Big East. And in my opinion the power football conferences would make that offer if they felt having their own basketball tournament was worth it financially. The football cash cow will dry up eventually, or stop growing at it's current rate, and those conferences will look elsewhere to find growth.
I think the value of the tournament is drastically diminished without bball only conferences.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: GoldenWarrior11 on July 26, 2021, 12:09:45 PM
I agree with everything you and FBM said. None of the football conferences are going to add a BBall only schools for $ right now. And the hybrid model doesn't work - right now.

The future I see is one where the football schools want their own basketball tournament so that they can keep all of that tournament $ for themselves. BBall only conferences would obviously object, but any leverage they have is lost by the fact that the absolute best BBall only programs could be bought from BBall only conferences for very little money. Villanova (or Marquette) would happily join a hybrid conference if the payouts are 2x what they're getting from the Big East. And in my opinion the power football conferences would make that offer if they felt having their own basketball tournament was worth it financially. The football cash cow will dry up eventually, or stop growing at it's current rate, and those conferences will look elsewhere to find growth.

This is all about football.  For basketball, specifically March Madness, the P5/P4/P2 will be unable to radically change the format for two big reasons.  1) the TV contract for that runs through 2032 (and the Big 12's deal is up in in 2025, hence the urgency of UT/OU moving on).  2) the value, from a viewership perspective, is the idea of a Cinderella making a run, the interest in mid-major upsets and the number of games across the several weekends.  A P5-only tournament would radically kill ratings and interest - which the powers that be recognize.  Now, I do think we are going to see a consolidation within D1 (we already are seeing that).  But conferences like the Big East, the top D1 conferences, will still come along with - due to their spending, fan support and overall success.  Football, truly, is a different animal.  For other sports, even the top-tier still needs other conferences in order to function.  What we will see is, probably, the drop-down from within D1 among the likes of the MEAC,  Southland, WAC, Summit, SWAC and maybe a few others.  Each of those conferences take automatic bids and revenues from the March Madness deal.  It would be the easiest thing to cut out the bottom (much like what is going on now), and secure more spots for the top-half of D1, and keeping more of the revenues for those institutions themselves. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 26, 2021, 12:13:06 PM
This is all about football.  For basketball, specifically March Madness, the P5/P4/P2 will be unable to radically change the format for two big reasons.  1) the TV contract for that runs through 2032 (and the Big 12's deal is up in in 2025, hence the urgency of UT/OU moving on).  2) the value, from a viewership perspective, is the idea of a Cinderella making a run, the interest in mid-major upsets and the number of games across the several weekends.  A P5-only tournament would radically kill ratings and interest - which the powers that be recognize.  Now, I do think we are going to see a consolidation within D1 (we already are seeing that).  But conferences like the Big East, the top D1 conferences, will still come along with - due to their spending, fan support and overall success.  Football, truly, is a different animal.  For other sports, even the top-tier still needs other conferences in order to function.  What we will see is, probably, the drop-down from within D1 among the likes of the MEAC,  Southland, WAC, Summit, SWAC and maybe a few others.  Each of those conferences take automatic bids and revenues from the March Madness deal.  It would be the easiest thing to cut out the bottom (much like what is going on now), and secure more spots for the top-half of D1, and keeping more of the revenues for those institutions themselves. 



I am not sure that a P5 only tournament would kill ratings as much as you suggest.  Sure people *love* the idea of a cinderella, but the tournament's big rating games are when two large schools are playing.  I am not sure how much the "magic" of the tournament translates into viewers.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: cheebs09 on July 26, 2021, 12:18:40 PM


I am not sure that a P5 only tournament would kill ratings as much as you suggest.  Sure people *love* the idea of a cinderella, but the tournament's big rating games are when two large schools are playing.  I am not sure how much the "magic" of the tournament translates into viewers.

Would politics play a role here? I remember when there was thought of the BE being left in the cold, people pointed to the Georgetown alums in Congress and other schools. Not sure if that really would have an impact or not.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 26, 2021, 12:22:24 PM
Would politics play a role here? I remember when there was thought of the BE being left in the cold, people pointed to the Georgetown alums in Congress and other schools. Not sure if that really would have an impact or not.


Probably.  It also probably isn't worth the headache and the hassle from their point of view.  The P5 control football and that's where the big $$$ is.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Skip Intro on July 26, 2021, 12:35:10 PM
West Virginia has long had difficulty gaining admittance into the ACC.  Not only does it it not offer a top-25 athletic brand, but it comes from a weak recruiting state, a poor viewership state and its academics would be the lowest in the conference (even lower than Louisville, which the ACC academics were less than thrilled about).  The only expansion candidate for the ACC for #16 is Notre Dame, and they aren't coming.  Once again, there are no available brands out there that increase the value of the ACC's TV deal with ESPN (signed through 2036).  Any addition would just be adding another mouth to feed with the same pie. 

I don't think academic qualifications will play a part in these decisions.  As you noted, the ACC gave up on that when they admitted U of L, and WVU is not ranked too far below them.  There only so many "big" schools with decent-to-good football programs to go around, particularly east of the Mississippi.  My guess is that the ACC tries to remain competitive (in football, at least) by grabbing the most relevant of the "available" eastern state schools - WVU, Cincy, and/or UConn.  Will that be enough to keep Clemson and FSU around?  Probably not, but at least then they're not stuck in the B12's current position of having too few teams to even fill out a schedule. 
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: asdfasdf on July 26, 2021, 12:48:58 PM


I am not sure that a P5 only tournament would kill ratings as much as you suggest.  Sure people *love* the idea of a cinderella, but the tournament's big rating games are when two large schools are playing.  I am not sure how much the "magic" of the tournament translates into viewers.

I think you're right. It probably wouldn't impact ratings, just because so many people either went to a big state school, or already support a big state school because they went to a little state school in the same state.

That said, I do wonder what the breaking point of all of this realignment is. For those of you who follow soccer a bit, there was a recent attempt to form a new soccer league which would have made a ~16 teams extremely wealthy while essentially excluding all of the "little" teams. Fans pushed back, and the league was put to bed (for now).

Is there a similar event that could happen with college sports where fans finally say enough is enough? It seems like fans don't really mind if football teams move around for money. I do wonder if consolidation and/or exclusion of the "little" teams from the NCAA tournament would be enough for people to push back in a significant way.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Tha Hound on July 26, 2021, 12:57:03 PM
It appears as though the ACC is looking to expand to counter the SEC (and perhaps avoid a B12-esque catastrophe if Clemson and FSU were to leave).  I have no doubt WVU would be a main target, and I could see one or both of UConn and Cincy being targets, as well.  I would be genuinely surprised if UConn is still in the Big East when this all shakes out.

So, if that's the case, does the Big East just go back to being a 10-team conference?  Or do we replace UConn?  Put me in the camp that would like to see Dayton in our league (**ducks**).

Mods ban this guy
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: GoldenWarrior11 on July 26, 2021, 12:59:33 PM
I don't think academic qualifications will play a part in these decisions.  As you noted, the ACC gave up on that when they admitted U of L, and WVU is not ranked too far below them.  There only so many "big" schools with decent-to-good football programs to go around, particularly east of the Mississippi.  My guess is that the ACC tries to remain competitive (in football, at least) by grabbing the most relevant of the "available" eastern state schools - WVU, Cincy, and/or UConn.  Will that be enough to keep Clemson and FSU around?  Probably not, but at least then they're not stuck in the B12's current position of having too few teams to even fill out a schedule.

As long as Presidents are making the final decisions in realignment, academics will continue to play a role in movement.  Is it the deciding factor?  No, otherwise Rice would have been in the Big 12 in the 90's.  However, it remains why the Big Ten will continue to seek AAU members, and it it is certainly why the academic voting block (which has resisted WVU for many reasons, including academics, will likely continue to resist them).

What is left of the Big 8 will not be getting invitations to the other P4 conferences.  None of them move the needle.  The Big 12 will backfill with AAC/MWC schools, and the AAC and MWC will backfill with C-USA and Sun Belt schools.  Realignment always runs downhill, folks.   
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: LAZER on July 26, 2021, 01:01:43 PM


I am not sure that a P5 only tournament would kill ratings as much as you suggest.  Sure people *love* the idea of a cinderella, but the tournament's big rating games are when two large schools are playing.  I am not sure how much the "magic" of the tournament translates into viewers.
A P5 only tournament would probably be half the size, unless everybody makes it.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 26, 2021, 01:11:47 PM
I think you're right. It probably wouldn't impact ratings, just because so many people either went to a big state school, or already support a big state school because they went to a little state school in the same state.

That said, I do wonder what the breaking point of all of this realignment is. For those of you who follow soccer a bit, there was a recent attempt to form a new soccer league which would have made a ~16 teams extremely wealthy while essentially excluding all of the "little" teams. Fans pushed back, and the league was put to bed (for now).

Is there a similar event that could happen with college sports where fans finally say enough is enough? It seems like fans don't really mind if football teams move around for money. I do wonder if consolidation and/or exclusion of the "little" teams from the NCAA tournament would be enough for people to push back in a significant way.


The problem with the comparisons to the Super League is that it wasn't simply the fans, it was also UEFA and the EPL (and other domestic leagues) who were ready to enact pretty hefty penalties.  There is no strong, central entity at play here.  If the NCAA hadn't lost power to the conferences a generation ago, my guess is that you wouldn't see the amount of conference affiliation changes for the sake of short term $$$.

Also, college football's regionalization doesn't help.  "Bedlam" between Oklahoma and OSU means a great deal to the people of Oklahoma.  To me, it's just another game that I may watch if it means something.  So 90% of the viewing public doesn't really care if that game no longer happens, just like they didn't care that Texas and A&M stopped playing.

That being said, if the rest of the Big 12 is left out in the cold, that would be the first time in these rounds of consolidations that a number of traditional "insiders" have been forced "outside."  Sure there have been schools like UCF, Cincinnati and Boise that haven't been treated fairly, but none of those schools ever really had a seat at the table before.  Kansas State, Oklahoma State, etc. were all members of the old Big 8.  Texas Tech and Baylor were in the old Southwest Conference.

So maybe that breaking point is now?  Who knows.  But what happens if they next round of consolidation leaves Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Northwestern at the "have not" table?
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: WhiteTrash on July 26, 2021, 03:59:21 PM
I guess I don't get the super conference idea. It seems like the Wisconsins or Mississippis or UCLAs are always playing for 3rd or 4th place.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Sultan of Semantics on July 26, 2021, 04:03:01 PM
I guess I don't get the super conference idea. It seems like the Wisconsins or Mississippis or UCLAs are always playing for 3rd or 4th place.

Cash.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Uncle Rico on July 26, 2021, 04:09:47 PM
I guess I don't get the super conference idea. It seems like the Wisconsins or Mississippis or UCLAs are always playing for 3rd or 4th place.

The grass is always greener philosophy.  I’m not sure I know any fans/alum who like what has happened in the last 15 years either. 

The long game is, as memories fade, people forget Iowa used to play Michigan almost very year instead of every 3 or 4.  Michigan and Ohio State fans didn’t ask for Rutger and Maryland but in time, maybe they won’t mind.

Ultimately, college sports hasn’t ever really been about that but instead it’s been about the money, expanding your footprint and chasing something better.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: cven7 on July 26, 2021, 08:36:13 PM
This is all about football.  For basketball, specifically March Madness, the P5/P4/P2 will be unable to radically change the format for two big reasons.  1) the TV contract for that runs through 2032 (and the Big 12's deal is up in in 2025, hence the urgency of UT/OU moving on).  2) the value, from a viewership perspective, is the idea of a Cinderella making a run, the interest in mid-major upsets and the number of games across the several weekends.  A P5-only tournament would radically kill ratings and interest - which the powers that be recognize.  Now, I do think we are going to see a consolidation within D1 (we already are seeing that).  But conferences like the Big East, the top D1 conferences, will still come along with - due to their spending, fan support and overall success.  Football, truly, is a different animal.  For other sports, even the top-tier still needs other conferences in order to function.  What we will see is, probably, the drop-down from within D1 among the likes of the MEAC,  Southland, WAC, Summit, SWAC and maybe a few others.  Each of those conferences take automatic bids and revenues from the March Madness deal.  It would be the easiest thing to cut out the bottom (much like what is going on now), and secure more spots for the top-half of D1, and keeping more of the revenues for those institutions themselves.

Doesn't the NCAA hold the March Madness contract, as opposed to the individual schools or conferences?  If so, could the P5/P4/P2 leave the NCAA (at which point CBS would probably void the March Madness contract with the NCAA), and negotiate a new March Madness contract with CBS earlier than 2032? 

If the P5/P4/P2 does take over March Madness, they can make whatever rules they want.  They can still invite non-P5/P4/P2 teams, but they don't have to invite as many, nor pay them the equally (or at all; your compensation is expenses + media exposure) like the current NCAA credit system.  At this point, it seems like if B1G & SEC broke away from the NCAA, the rest of the major conferences would follow to avoid getting left behind.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Dawson Rental on July 27, 2021, 05:04:40 PM
This is all about football.  For basketball, specifically March Madness, the P5/P4/P2 will be unable to radically change the format for two big reasons.  1) the TV contract for that runs through 2032 (and the Big 12's deal is up in in 2025, hence the urgency of UT/OU moving on).  2) the value, from a viewership perspective, is the idea of a Cinderella making a run, the interest in mid-major upsets and the number of games across the several weekends.  A P5-only tournament would radically kill ratings and interest - which the powers that be recognize.  Now, I do think we are going to see a consolidation within D1 (we already are seeing that).  But conferences like the Big East, the top D1 conferences, will still come along with - due to their spending, fan support and overall success.  Football, truly, is a different animal.  For other sports, even the top-tier still needs other conferences in order to function.  What we will see is, probably, the drop-down from within D1 among the likes of the MEAC,  Southland, WAC, Summit, SWAC and maybe a few others.  Each of those conferences take automatic bids and revenues from the March Madness deal.  It would be the easiest thing to cut out the bottom (much like what is going on now), and secure more spots for the top-half of D1, and keeping more of the revenues for those institutions themselves.

I agree with much of what you say, but not what you say about football centric conferences adding basketball schools without football teams.  Save the conference headaches and just provide the top basketball only conferences (and maybe a couple of basketball and football conference not included in the P5 or Pwhatever) access to tournaments for basketball and other now NCAA championships.  It would probably allow the Pwhatevers to avoid antitrust litigation, as well.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Dawson Rental on July 27, 2021, 05:07:09 PM
I agree with everything you and FBM said. None of the football conferences are going to add a BBall only schools for $ right now. And the hybrid model doesn't work - right now.

The future I see is one where the football schools want their own basketball tournament so that they can keep all of that tournament $ for themselves. BBall only conferences would obviously object, but any leverage they have is lost by the fact that the absolute best BBall only programs could be bought from BBall only conferences for very little money. Villanova (or Marquette) would happily join a hybrid conference if the payouts are 2x what they're getting from the Big East. And in my opinion the power football conferences would make that offer if they felt having their own basketball tournament was worth it financially. The football cash cow will dry up eventually, or stop growing at it's current rate, and those conferences will look elsewhere to find growth.

Why add more schools to already bloated conferences?  Just let them into the tournament(s) (men's basketball, women's basketball, soccer, lacrosse,  and whatever else gets televised).
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Dawson Rental on July 27, 2021, 05:18:25 PM

The problem with the comparisons to the Super League is that it wasn't simply the fans, it was also UEFA and the EPL (and other domestic leagues) who were ready to enact pretty hefty penalties.  There is no strong, central entity at play here.  If the NCAA hadn't lost power to the conferences a generation ago, my guess is that you wouldn't see the amount of conference affiliation changes for the sake of short term $$$.

Also, college football's regionalization doesn't help.  "Bedlam" between Oklahoma and OSU means a great deal to the people of Oklahoma.  To me, it's just another game that I may watch if it means something.  So 90% of the viewing public doesn't really care if that game no longer happens, just like they didn't care that Texas and A&M stopped playing.

That being said, if the rest of the Big 12 is left out in the cold, that would be the first time in these rounds of consolidations that a number of traditional "insiders" have been forced "outside."  Sure there have been schools like UCF, Cincinnati and Boise that haven't been treated fairly, but none of those schools ever really had a seat at the table before.  Kansas State, Oklahoma State, etc. were all members of the old Big 8.  Texas Tech and Baylor were in the old Southwest Conference.

So maybe that breaking point is now?  Who knows.  But what happens if they next round of consolidation leaves Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Northwestern at the "have not" table?

Ole Miss -NEVER - Mississippi State? - there you have an argument.  So far, no one's been squeezed out of a conference, just teams getting left behind when the cream of their conference's athletic programs left to go elsewhere.  I don't think that that will ever happen, but who hasn't been surprised at least once during the realignments?  With all the money getting concentrated in a few conferences, it's got to be time for the University of Chicago to reactivate their Big 10 membership!

Yes, believe it or not, THE University of Chicago still has some sort of mechanism back into the Big 10.  I hope they try.  It would be the athletic version of the mouse that roared.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Equalizer on July 27, 2021, 05:55:15 PM
Ole Miss -NEVER - Mississippi State? - there you have an argument.  So far, no one's been squeezed out of a conference, just teams getting left behind when the cream of their conference's athletic programs left to go elsewhere.  I don't think that that will ever happen, but who hasn't been surprised at least once during the realignments?  With all the money getting concentrated in a few conferences, it's got to be time for the University of Chicago to reactivate their Big 10 membership!

Yes, believe it or not, THE University of Chicago still has some sort of mechanism back into the Big 10.  I hope they try.  It would be the athletic version of the mouse that roared.

Temple was kicked out of the Big East a few years back.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 27, 2021, 05:57:44 PM
Temple was kicked out of the Big East a few years back.

Temple was not a full member, they were football only.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: The Equalizer on July 27, 2021, 06:05:45 PM
Would politics play a role here? I remember when there was thought of the BE being left in the cold, people pointed to the Georgetown alums in Congress and other schools. Not sure if that really would have an impact or not.

There are more reps in Congress serving the state of Texas (36) than there are Georgetown alums (28).   

I don't see any Texas representative without a political death wish going against the desires of the University of Texas, and that includes the five Georgetown alums elected from Texas.

So, no, the Georgetown contingent wouldn't be able to stop anything.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: Billy Hoyle on July 27, 2021, 06:46:08 PM
There are more reps in Congress serving the state of Texas (36) than there are Georgetown alums (28).   

I don't see any Texas representative without a political death wish going against the desires of the University of Texas, and that includes the five Georgetown alums elected from Texas.

So, no, the Georgetown contingent wouldn't be able to stop anything.

it won't help federally but on the state level, maybe. Baylor got into the Big 12 because of high-level politicians on the state level, including then-Governor Ann Richards. Virginia was threatened with state funding cuts if they did not support Va Tech getting into the ACC. If it's going to happen anwhere it's at the state level.
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: DFW HOYA on July 27, 2021, 08:34:38 PM
I don't see any Texas representative without a political death wish going against the desires of the University of Texas, and that includes the five Georgetown alums elected from Texas.

The "former students" of Texas A&M have no fear against the University of Texas.  They even have their own PAC.

https://www.aggieleadershippac.com/texas-legislature/
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: CTEagle91 on July 28, 2021, 12:36:29 PM
I see no chance for UConn in the ACC. The ACC would be better served by adding Baylor/TCU/Texas Tech/OSU/Houston etc. Adding Texas football to the league in any way trumps Connecticut.
UConn is going nowhere
Title: Re: Do we want/get West Virginia back in BEast if Texas and OU go SEC?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on July 28, 2021, 02:20:29 PM
I posted this in the other thread the end of last week.

Just in case anyone is wondering.  From today's New Haven Register.


Could UConn leave the Big East if conference realignment revs up again? Not very likely.
David Borges
July 22, 2021
Updated: July 22, 2021 9:52 p.m

Did you hear the news? Texas and Oklahoma are actively looking to leave the Big 12 and join the SEC, according to a Houston Chronicle report. It wasn’t exactly steadfastly denied by officials from either school, so something appears to be up.

Did you hear the other news? After losing its two marquee programs, the Big 12 will raid the ACC, leaving a void in that league that will obviously be filled by UConn.

OK, that’s just rampant speculation on social media, message boards, even from some media types.

Bottom line, that’s not happening right now. UConn officials scoff at the notion. The school couldn’t be happier to be back in the Big East, and one way it’s showed its gratitude is by agreeing to pay a whopping $30 million exit fee if it were to leave any time within its first six years in the league.

IMAGES:
University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Dan Hurley, left, University President Susan Herbst, third left, Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, fourth left, women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma, fifth left, and Director of Athletics David Benedict, pose for photos during the announcement that the University of Connecticut is re-joining the Big East Conference, at New York's Madison Square Garden, Thursday, June 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

“We didn’t join the Big East to leave,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said back in May, 2020, a little over a month before UConn officially re-joined the league. “They didn’t bring us in to leave, and we didn’t join to leave.”

That fee gradually decreases after six years, but will still be substantial for a while.

Plus, if things were to follow a similar model as UConn’s departure from the American Athletic Conference, the school would have to pay an ACC entry fee. The entry fee to join the Big East was $3.5 million.

And don’t forget, UConn is still paying the AAC about $1 million a year over the next six years for its own $17 million exit fee, which was largely covered by turning over the school’s share of media rights to the AAC.

Oh, and of course, UConn currently has a $43.5 million athletics budget deficit that has caused the school to drop several sports, among other measures.

But wouldn’t all those deficits be made up for by the financial windfall of joining the AAC? Well, sure. But not for a long time.

Yes, the ACC shares $32.3 million per member school via its media-rights deal. The Big East only shares about $4 million per school. But typically, when a school joins a new conference, it doesn’t become fully-vested for such payments for several years, as Rutgers found out when it joined the Big 10 and Louisville the ACC about seven years ago.

Schools aren’t immediately fully-vested in NCAA units and other payments earned by their new conference, either. UConn won’t be fully-vested in the Big East for another five years.

Now, obviously, a move to the ACC (or another Power-5 league) could ultimately be a great financial boon to UConn. But that is way, way down the line. Too far to even fathom, at this point. UConn is happy to be back in the Big East, where it “belongs,” and certainly doesn’t want to give any indication that it is planning a departure. Because it isn’t.

And let’s face it, maybe the ACC doesn’t even want UConn. The football program isn’t exactly overly attractive.

Regardless, after nearly a decade of dormancy, conference realignment appears to be on the horizon once again. If Texas and Oklahoma do eventually leave, the dominoes will fall. The AAC could perish, with schools like Houston, UCF, Cincinnati and Memphis prime targets for the Big 12. Or it could expand, picking apart the Big 12’s carcass. Plenty of moves could be made by other leagues, as well.

Perhaps, instead of losing UConn, the Big East gains a program from the Big 12, although it’s hard to see other top programs going independent with their football programs.

Or maybe this is all a play for Texas and Oklahoma to garner a better TV contract for the Big 12 and, like about six years earlier, nothing happens at all with the conference.

Right now, it’s all speculation. But don’t speculate that UConn is packing for a Big East departure. That won’t be happening anytime soon — if ever.

david.borges@hearstmediact.com