Are We Headed Towards 4 Conferences?

[mngolf]

Yes?

The PAC, Big 12, and ACC will never again have deals that come anywhere close to the Big Ten or SEC.


So long as the Big Ten is not extending invitations to any additional PAC schools -- which they absolutely are not, they would've done it at the same time as USCLA -- then there's nothing to talk about with PAC schools leaving.


I don't think the Big Ten looks at expansion again, until/if:
- Notre Dame is on the table, and/or
- ACC schools get freed of their GoR and are interested in moving

Then, at that time, and also highly depending on what the SEC wants to do ... then, we could see additional movement.


There are precious few "needle movers" left for the super power 2. Notre Dame is an obvious one. And there are some ACC schools that would be juicy for the Big Ten, for all the right reasons (market, institutional fit, etc.).

So you don't believe the stories of the B1G presidents wanting to grab Oregon and Wash but not Stanford and Cal like Warren wanted. And that they are waiting until Warren is out to send out those invites since Oregon and Wash have already asked for them?

 

[Gophers_4life]

I think I’ve made my opinion/guess clear.

When/if a new deal is announced and includes the remaining 10 (plus possibly two more) signing a GoR for the next 3-5 years, something like that, I will declare victory.

If it’s not that, then my assertions and thoughts have fallen short.


“Stories” are just things to get people to click on it.

When a president actually speaks, on the record, that’s what matters.

 

[mngolf]

When a president actually speaks, on the record, that’s what matters.

Except when they talk out both sides of their ass.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

Andrew Marchand from the New York Post (covers sports & media) - Pac-12 not close to new deal.

“The PAC-12 could turn back to ESPN/ABC, but the deal that was once on the table — the same $31 million per year per team that the Big 12 got — is no longer there. If the Pac-12 returns to ESPN, it will likely mean it is willing to take less money in exchange for exposure. At this point, a deal with ESPN is not close,” the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reported Monday morning.

the article is behind a paywall, so I could only find excerpts online. Apparently there was more in the article about Apple TV's possible role in the Pac-12 media rights.

 

[PMWinSTP]

Andrew Marchand from the New York Post (covers sports & media) - Pac-12 not close to new deal.

“The PAC-12 could turn back to ESPN/ABC, but the deal that was once on the table — the same $31 million per year per team that the Big 12 got — is no longer there. If the Pac-12 returns to ESPN, it will likely mean it is willing to take less money in exchange for exposure. At this point, a deal with ESPN is not close,” the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reported Monday morning.

the article is behind a paywall, so I could only find excerpts online. Apparently there was more in the article about Apple TV's possible role in the Pac-12 media rights.

Thanks. Found this...a little more detail. The tidbit on the new Oregon president is interesting.

PAC-12 'Not Close' To A Deal With ESPN: REPORT

The PAC-12's disaster of a media rights situation continues to be stuck in the mud. Will a deal be reached with ESPN?

www.outkick.com

 

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

Well FWIW, the MLS Season Pass is $15/mo or $99 for the whole season. That's if you are not an AppleTV+ subscriber. If you already subscribe to it, then it's an additional $13/mo or $79 for the whole season. https://www.mlssoccer.com/season-pass/

Free for season ticket holders, also T-Mobile and Metro customers get it free if they subscribe to AppleTV+.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

found another excerpt from the New York Post article by Andrew Marchand, dealing with Apple TV's role in the negotiations.

"For the Pac-12 to reach the $300 million per year mark to basically match the deal the Big 12 received from ESPN and Fox Sports, the most likely platform to pay that at this point would be Apple, as we reported last month,” Andrew Marchand writes. “To be clear, we aren’t saying that is happening, but Apple is the company that could potentially reach that number, and adding Pac-12 rights does fit what Apple seemingly is trying to do in sports. But it figures to be an all-Apple deal.“

to be clear - an "all-Apple" deal would mean all of the Pac-12 games would be shown on a streaming platform.
so, from a dollar-to-dollar comparison, the Pac-12 could theoretically reach the $30-million per team mark - but from an exposure viewpoint, it's hard to compare an all-streaming deal to other conferences that will be on major networks and/or ESPN.

If Marchand is correct (certainly a big IF) then the Pac-12 could be facing a choice between more money for a streaming deal, or less money to be on ESPN.

 

[Gophers_4life]

^^^ or they're just being (happily, gladly! Clicks up the wazoo!) used by ESPN to put out a narrative.

 

[Gophers_4life]

Standalone MLS season pass is $14.99 a month. I won't pay that and I'm a soccer/loons fan. Streaming will hurt ratings but maybe they don't care if the money works out in the short term. Not sure it will help build a fan base in the long term.

Apologies, I meant to reply to this when you made this post and forgot.

You bring up a very valid point, that should be addressed.

That is: they should offer a cheaper version that only allows you to watch the games of one team. Big Ten + (the additional online streaming package, beyond BTN, that you have to pay for to watch some of the niche sports matches) offers this.

 

[Gophers_4life]

University of Utah president Taylor Randall said on Salt Lake City radio that media rights talks “still got a ways to go”, however said that there is “solidarity” amongst the Pac-12 members.

Randall said on The Bill Riley Show, “There’s been a lot of comments from the media about how this is taking a long time, but it’s really that we started a year earlier than expected. So on our end, as Presidents, we’ve been really patient with the negotiations because they’re happening on an advanced timeline and will be done ahead of the original schedule regardless of when it comes through. I think we’re in a good spot, and I like what I’m hearing out of the President’s office both in terms of compensation and in distribution. I think we’ve still got a ways to go, but I think we’ve got solidarity in the President’s room of the remaining schools in particular. I don’t talk to a President from one of the remaining schools who’s not confident in the deal that’s being worked on.”

 

[mngolf]

University of Utah president Taylor Randall said on Salt Lake City radio that media rights talks “still got a ways to go”, however said that there is “solidarity” amongst the Pac-12 members.

Randall said on The Bill Riley Show, “There’s been a lot of comments from the media about how this is taking a long time, but it’s really that we started a year earlier than expected. So on our end, as Presidents, we’ve been really patient with the negotiations because they’re happening on an advanced timeline and will be done ahead of the original schedule regardless of when it comes through. I think we’re in a good spot, and I like what I’m hearing out of the President’s office both in terms of compensation and in distribution. I think we’ve still got a ways to go, but I think we’ve got solidarity in the President’s room of the remaining schools in particular. I don’t talk to a President from one of the remaining schools who’s not confident in the deal that’s being worked on.”

He also admitted talking to the Big 12.

 

[Gophers_4life]

And?? So??

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, you’re telling me you are not putting your house up for sale and you’re going to sign a new contract with your employer here soon ….. but you took a cold call from that one real estate agent five years ago!!! Don’t deny it!!”

 

[mngolf]

Uh no. More like "hey I need a backup plan since this idiot Kliavkov has screwed everything up so bad that we may need to move."

And there is a reason George isn't allowed to talk to the media anymore. Also a reason why the presidents felt the need to come out and speak to "solidarity". Not dissimilar to the AD giving a coach a vote of confidence.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

still no news on Pac-12 media rights deal.

But, apparently there is at least some buzz/steam over this idea -

NBC is now allegedly in talks with Pac-12 about a deal. But according to what is being thrown around on the internet, it sounds like NBC would carry a few marquee games when it doesn't conflict with its Notre Dame and B1G obligations - so the bulk of the Pac-12 games would be on USA Network and streaming on Peacock. I have not seen any $$ amounts in any of the reports.

Warning - I have seen the NBC angle mentioned on CBS Sports, but the main "source" seems to be some talk show/YouTube channel from Salt Lake City. "The Monty Show" - and Monty's 'sources' tell him this deal is close to happening.

could be something - could be a crock of dung.

 

[PMWinSTP]

still no news on Pac-12 media rights deal.

But, apparently there is at least some buzz/steam over this idea -

NBC is now allegedly in talks with Pac-12 about a deal. But according to what is being thrown around on the internet, it sounds like NBC would carry a few marquee games when it doesn't conflict with its Notre Dame and B1G obligations - so the bulk of the Pac-12 games would be on USA Network and streaming on Peacock. I have not seen any $$ amounts in any of the reports.

Warning - I have seen the NBC angle mentioned on CBS Sports, but the main "source" seems to be some talk show/YouTube channel from Salt Lake City. "The Monty Show" - and Monty's 'sources' tell him this deal is close to happening.

could be something - could be a crock of dung.

 

[Gophers_4life]

still no news on Pac-12 media rights deal.

But, apparently there is at least some buzz/steam over this idea -

NBC is now allegedly in talks with Pac-12 about a deal. But according to what is being thrown around on the internet, it sounds like NBC would carry a few marquee games when it doesn't conflict with its Notre Dame and B1G obligations - so the bulk of the Pac-12 games would be on USA Network and streaming on Peacock. I have not seen any $$ amounts in any of the reports.

Warning - I have seen the NBC angle mentioned on CBS Sports, but the main "source" seems to be some talk show/YouTube channel from Salt Lake City. "The Monty Show" - and Monty's 'sources' tell him this deal is close to happening.

could be something - could be a crock of dung.

CBS did not mention the NBC thing in any way, shape, or form near what the youtube rando guy is saying.

That article: https://www.cbssports.com/college-f...near-with-15-months-left-on-current-contract/

is literally titled:

'Nothing to suggest' new Pac-12 media rights deal is near with 15 months left on current contract ​

Dodd goes on to simply say:

Other than that, what are the Pac-12's linear (broadcast/cable) options? It has been suggested NBC could be a possibility, but it would likely feature games only on its non-broadcast properties: USA Network (cable) and/or Peacock (streaming).

 

[Ope3]

With Florida Atlantic reaching the Final 4 in hoops how soon is it before there is talk of them moving from CUSA to either the Big 12 or ACC? That seems to be the move, right?

San Diego St is already presumed to be in the on deck circle for the PAC 12/10.

 

[WAGopher]

With Florida Atlantic reaching the Final 4 in hoops how soon is it before there is talk of them moving from CUSA to either the Big 12 or ACC? That seems to be the move, right?

San Diego St is already presumed to be in the on deck circle for the PAC 12/10.

I think Florida Atlantic is moving from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference this summer.

 

[Ope3]

I think Florida Atlantic is moving from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference this summer.

Thanks. Ahead of the curve. They Owls might have underplayed their hand.

 

[PMWinSTP]

Thanks. Ahead of the curve. They Owls might have underplayed their hand.

Hard to say, as both football and basketball have been middling teams in a mediocre conference for the most part. With all the movement of teams, it's hard to gage, though.

 

[Ope3]

Hard to say, as both football and basketball have been middling teams in a mediocre conference for the most part. With all the movement of teams, it's hard to gage, though.

Agreed, but that hasn't stopped other Conferences from seeking out such schools though in an effort to reach new markets or seek replacements.

It would probably take something like Miami or Florida St bolting to the SEC and then the ACC scooping up Florida Atlantic. Nothing seems outside the realm of possibility any more.

 

[Gophers_4life]

Agreed, but that hasn't stopped other Conferences from seeking out such schools though in an effort to reach new markets or seek replacements.

It would probably take something like Miami or Florida St bolting to the SEC and then the ACC scooping up Florida Atlantic. Nothing seems outside the realm of possibility any more.

I would think South Florida would get it before FAU.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

FWIW - the Colorado Board of Regents held an executive session Monday (Apr 17). The official agenda said meeting in executive session for discussion of legal issues pertaining to athletics. the meeting lasted about an hour & 15 minutes.

obviously, that could mean a lot of things. but there has been some buzz that Colorado might be looking at its options - including a move to the Big12 - if the money in the Pac-12 media deal falls short of expectations.

and just for fun - was listening to "the Monty Show" on YouTube. and the hosts said their sources at ESPN claimed that ESPN is not willing to go over $90 to $100-Million a year for Pac-12 rights - or $9 to $10-million a year per school. even if you combine that with a streaming deal, that still leaves the Pac-12 way short of what the Big12 is getting.

 

[Gophers_4life]

was listening to "the Monty Show" on YouTube

Be better than this

 

[short ornery norwegian]

Be better than this

Hey, I've listened to these guys a few times, and I think they're kind of funny. it's basically just two guys sitting there firing off "hot takes," but they do it with a sense of humor. It's similar to what Greg Flugaur does, but with a little more polish and better delivery.

One of the reasons I've been listening is because they do focus on teams in the Western part of the country - Pac-12, some Big12, BYU and so forth. so it's a different perspective.

FWIW - on Monday's show, one of the hosts said (paraphrasing) that at this point, none of the Pac-12 teams want to leave the conference. they would prefer to stick together. But, if the Pac-12 media deal falls way short of what other conferences are getting, that is the point where schools could look to jump ship. and the general consensus is that Colorado could be the first school to bolt.

 

[Gophers_4life]

https://theathletic.com/4465400/2023/04/28/big-ten-conference-expansion-realignment-petitti/

With USC and UCLA set to join the Big Ten next summer, the conference is about 14 months away from becoming a 16-school league. But will the Big Ten grow beyond that anytime soon?

Conference expansion is “not really at the top of our list at the moment,” University of Illinois chancellor Robert J. Jones told The Athletic on Friday.

“Our first priority is to successfully integrate UCLA and USC,” he said. “At the same time, we know that the landscape is shifting and, for us, it’s a time to be very thoughtful and analytical. … Are we thinking about (realignment)? Of course. We’re doing analysis, the cost, the benefits of staying at 16 or moving up. It’s not something we’re going to do just to react to what other conferences may choose to do. We’re only going to do what’s best for our current membership, and there has to be some value added for expanding beyond.”

Jones, the chair of the Big Ten’s Council of Presidents and Chancellors, represented the group at new Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti’s introductory news conference Friday. He said he’s “less concerned” about the travel and logistics surrounding the Los Angeles schools than he was initially after recent conversations with his peers at both schools. USC and UCLA already travel quite a bit in Pac-12 play, Jones said, and he expected the Big Ten to schedule strategically to maximize each trip in various sports, likely playing more than one opponent in one location.

“That minimizes the negative impact on our students, which is the piece I think all of us are greatly concerned about,” Jones said.

When asked about further expansion during his news conference, Petitti also pointed to integrating USC and UCLA as the priority but added, “My job is to make sure the conference is as strong in the present and future as it’s always been.”

Jones said that the Big Ten did not consider adding more than the two L.A. schools last summer, a seismic late-June announcement that came less than a year after Oklahoma and Texas announced their intention to leave the Big 12 for the SEC. He said the conference has not decided whether it would only add future schools as full members, which earn the exact same share of media rights revenue as the existing members. “We don’t have a position on that yet,” Jones said. He reiterated that the league would need to know that any additional schools bring enough value to make such a move worthwhile. He said it would be a “data-driven decision that aligns with the vision of where we want to see the conference in the next decade and the decades beyond.”

“I’d be lying if I said we weren’t thinking about it,” Jones said. “But it’s not at the top of the list. There’s no sense of urgency about it at this point.”

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

https://theathletic.com/4465400/2023/04/28/big-ten-conference-expansion-realignment-petitti/

With USC and UCLA set to join the Big Ten next summer, the conference is about 14 months away from becoming a 16-school league. But will the Big Ten grow beyond that anytime soon?

Conference expansion is “not really at the top of our list at the moment,” University of Illinois chancellor Robert J. Jones told The Athletic on Friday.

“Our first priority is to successfully integrate UCLA and USC,” he said. “At the same time, we know that the landscape is shifting and, for us, it’s a time to be very thoughtful and analytical. … Are we thinking about (realignment)? Of course. We’re doing analysis, the cost, the benefits of staying at 16 or moving up. It’s not something we’re going to do just to react to what other conferences may choose to do. We’re only going to do what’s best for our current membership, and there has to be some value added for expanding beyond.”

Jones, the chair of the Big Ten’s Council of Presidents and Chancellors, represented the group at new Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti’s introductory news conference Friday. He said he’s “less concerned” about the travel and logistics surrounding the Los Angeles schools than he was initially after recent conversations with his peers at both schools. USC and UCLA already travel quite a bit in Pac-12 play, Jones said, and he expected the Big Ten to schedule strategically to maximize each trip in various sports, likely playing more than one opponent in one location.

“That minimizes the negative impact on our students, which is the piece I think all of us are greatly concerned about,” Jones said.

When asked about further expansion during his news conference, Petitti also pointed to integrating USC and UCLA as the priority but added, “My job is to make sure the conference is as strong in the present and future as it’s always been.”

Jones said that the Big Ten did not consider adding more than the two L.A. schools last summer, a seismic late-June announcement that came less than a year after Oklahoma and Texas announced their intention to leave the Big 12 for the SEC. He said the conference has not decided whether it would only add future schools as full members, which earn the exact same share of media rights revenue as the existing members. “We don’t have a position on that yet,” Jones said. He reiterated that the league would need to know that any additional schools bring enough value to make such a move worthwhile. He said it would be a “data-driven decision that aligns with the vision of where we want to see the conference in the next decade and the decades beyond.”

“I’d be lying if I said we weren’t thinking about it,” Jones said. “But it’s not at the top of the list. There’s no sense of urgency about it at this point.”

When the leader of an organization says something publicly, expect the opposite! I think things will move rather quickly. Just a feeling.

 

[Gophers_4life]

ACC schools are their priority, in the future, I think. USCLA may have asked for no other PAC schools to be added (competition) for all we know.

Think we’re set at 16 for awhile.

 

[WAGopher]

ACC schools are their priority, in the future, I think. USCLA may have asked for no other PAC schools to be added (competition) for all we know.

Think we’re set at 16 for awhile.

I would think USC and UCLA would want at least two more schools in their time zone to be added to the B1G. It’s better for their athletes and fans, although by how much is debatable.

 

[Big Ten Championship]

San Diego St and the Mt West keep getting better exponentially in all sports. Not because of $$ but because the transfer portal is leveling the playing field. Kids want to play vs sitting on the bench at Ohio State. San Diego St. Would be a nice get for PAC 12