SDHornet said:
SJHornet2 said:
Rumor is Stanford is looking to go ACC by itself. Offering to not take a media share for the time being. Cal not involved, but, their AD has mentioned they have options. No idea what they are, but I imagine Big 12, ACC and even Big 10 aren’t closed doors. As for OSU and WSU, I wouldn’t doubt AAC membership is on the table along side MWC. Maybe Cal and the northwest schools take some MWC schools to the AAC? AAC at least has AAU schools, larger markets and a better media deal.
Our entry to FBS would be a major jump and totally dependent on other dominoes. We would be in a direct fight with UCD for any spot. That is unless the other went in with another conference, say the WAC, if they wanted to return to FBS (don’t they still have that ability?). Our stadium situation is what makes me think we’d always be last choice or not looked at seriously. It’ll require massive funding and donations, which we simply don’t have. Sharing with Republic and Kings would definitely be a temporary bandaid and not scream stability.
I’m kinda okay being top level FCS, and waiting to see in lower FBS and upper FCS eventually meet in the middle. How long before the power 2 and friends decide to finally just make it official, and cut everyone else out? Does anyone see them continue to play with the G5 when the contract ends and is reworked in two years?
There's too much money associated with the Pac for the last members standing to just walk from it, and that's without a TV deal after this season. Any leftover Pac schools that join the AAC or MW would be gutted financially in the move and would have to drastically cut their athletics budget to be in line with the paltry income in either of those conferences.
Also not worried about "fighting" over a spot in the MW with the dungpilers. Depending on how depleted the MW after the Pac poach, they could want us both. And if the MW doesn't want both, I would expect the CSU to throw its weight around in getting us in to be along side fellow CSU's in the MW.
The latest EADA data (FY 21) has us at a $35M athletics budget ($5.68M FB, $2M MBB, $1.5 WBB). With an enrollment exceeding 30k, the administration wouldn't have an issue ramping the athletics budget up to meet FBS numbers.
My question is, what money is lingering with the Pac? Other than possibly a few million in the name, if cal and/or Stanford ditch, there’s nothing left. They have no media deal, and no power brokers without the bay schools. I think ESPN could be interested as they don’t really have a west coast partner currently, but it won’t demand too much more than the current AAC deal.
I guess a conference could take us both, but, the desperation would have to be high. We’re a top 50 market, but, not that huge. I envision a network exec assuming picking one would cover all bases in the market. I’m honestly interested to know if San Jose and/or Fresno would try to lobby for us, or continue to delude themselves into thinking they own this market. I’d also be interested to see which institution (is or UC isht box) has more alums living in the market. I know the CSUs lobbied hard for Bakersfield in the Big West, but, I’m not sure I see the MWC CSUs doing the same. Not sure why.
