(10-26-2014 04:42 PM)Cubanbull Wrote: (10-26-2014 04:40 PM)mtmedlin Wrote: (10-26-2014 11:13 AM)Cubanbull Wrote: Actually the most likely school that might leave the MWC for the AAC if BYU joined would be SDSU. Remember they wanted to stay in the AAC but after money didn't pan out and having yo keep their Olympic sports in the BW it didn't make sense.
Now you add BYU and increase TV money and give them all sports access and hey might be interested.
But economically speaking for us, it doesnt make sense. SDSU is WAY the hell over there. If you look at adding Colorado St., Air Force, and BYU the travel is quite a bit less and it sets up a balances 8 west and 8 east conference that would include Army.
I personally think its key to get all three academies which has national appeal and then BYU which also does too.
I now SDSU wanted to be a part of our conference but I think that chance passed when we added the final 3 eastern teams.
Doesn't matter wether it's CSU,BYU or SDSU they will all need air travel. San Diego is a large city and if you are talking LDS then BYU would love that addition
San Diego is closer to Houston than UConn
Absolutely SDSU is closer for Houston but not for Tulane and Memphis.
I am not saying I dont like the idea of SDSU. They have a passionate basketball fanbase. I just think a combo of CSU, Air Force and BYU, along with a western addition of Army would bring the most money and be the least travel for all involved.
West:
BYU, CSU, Air Force, Tulsa, Houston, SMU, Tulane and Memphis
East:
Uconn, Temple, Army, Navy, ECU, Cinci, USF and UCF.
The Center point of the entire coference is Memphis and Tulane. Travel to BYU is less than SDSU...not by much and I do get your point. I just tend to believe that The Academies are important from a national interest standpoint. I dont see Army joining without Air Force... at least that was what was implied the last time they were discussed... and then I dont see Air Force without CSU.
HERES why it WONT happen:
Who is both ACC and MWC tv partner? Yep, ESPN and CBS. They already have both conference for pennies on the dollar. They pay a combines $40 million for all 24 teams ($22 for AAC, $18 for MWC). They really have no incentive.
This is why I really thought the idea of a 16 team East/ West Conference made the most sense. By grabbing the best 16 teams form the former BE, CUSA and MWC, we could have lowered the amount of quality inventory that was available and drive up the cost for it. I honestly think that conference would have gotten closer to the $3-$4 million a year mark and because of the quality of Bball would have racked up some big NCAA credits.
For now, I just dont see an economic reason for ESPN to do anything with us. For the next 7 years, they have us cheap.