Besides their TERRiBLE relevance problem, being signed to FS1..
The NBE got saddled with the Big East name. Worse than that, they handed over the WARCHEST in exit fees and tourney credits to get it. smh... So, NOW, their conference will be looked at through the lens of SUCKING compared to what the OBE used to be, with the UCONNS and CUSES...
They should just stamp FUGAZI on their foreheads. (Don't worry New BE, you're in good company with the New WAC)
MEANWHILE, the AAC has an NIT Final Four team, a Sweet 16 team, and an Elite 8 team (so far). Not to mention, the AAC has a BCS Fiesta Bowl Champion, UCF, program that beat the Big 12 Champion. The new brand has gained a lot though ESPN exposure; but, I think the conference has gained as much by its separation from the stigma of the Big East name. God Bless em, the fact that the C7 is keeping that name alive is tantamount to falling on the grenade because the BIG LEAST jokes can continue beyond the scope of the emerging new brand.
It's like the stars aligned for the AAC this year. Remarkably so. And, the difference in contracts was negated by the extremely unfortunate decision the NBE made to pay that ridiculous sum to be called that.
I've gotta think MSG isn't happy.