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The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
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Chuck_A Offline
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The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
Portion of an article from the Omaha World Herald:

If (when) Wichita State kicks off mid-major Realignment, UNO will be hot commodity


"Several sources in college sports say the Horizon League and Missouri Valley Conference could have interest in UNO.

If Wichita bolts, the Valley will be left scrambling. Valparaiso, a Horizon school, might be high on the Valley’s list of replacements. The Valley could also look at UNO, bringing the city of Omaha back into the league to fill the void left by Creighton.

Several sources say the Horizon League is looking to expand by two schools, and perhaps four. The reason: improving the league’s basketball profile but also providing more conference games and, thus, more home game revenue for members.

UNO, with Baxter Arena bills to pay, would certainly fit that profile.

The Horizon also makes sense for UNO in that several of its members are “city” schools: Oakland (Detroit), Detroit Mercy, Cleveland State, Illinois-Chicago and Milwaukee. Other members are Youngstown State, Green Bay, Wright State, Northern Kentucky and Valpo.

Sources at UNO say the school is happy with the Summit. Another Summit member, Denver, is said to be coveted by the Horizon.

The attraction of the Horizon would be city schools that face similar athletic budget challenges. And it would provide fertile recruiting ground for UNO basketball.

The Horizon also has a weekly Friday night game on ESPN.

Officials at the Horizon and UNO had no comment on Monday. Stay tuned. Now that the Final Four is over, the action might just be starting."


If this is the case, it would be quite interesting to see what 2...or 4 schools the HL have in mind.
(This post was last modified: 04-04-2017 11:16 AM by Chuck_A.)
04-04-2017 11:09 AM
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Soobahk40050 Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 11:09 AM)Chuck_A Wrote:  Portion of an article from the Omaha World Herald:

If (when) Wichita State kicks off mid-major Realignment, UNO will be hot commodity


"Several sources in college sports say the Horizon League and Missouri Valley Conference could have interest in UNO.

If Wichita bolts, the Valley will be left scrambling. Valparaiso, a Horizon school, might be high on the Valley’s list of replacements. The Valley could also look at UNO, bringing the city of Omaha back into the league to fill the void left by Creighton.

Several sources say the Horizon League is looking to expand by two schools, and perhaps four. The reason: improving the league’s basketball profile but also providing more conference games and, thus, more home game revenue for members.

UNO, with Baxter Arena bills to pay, would certainly fit that profile.

The Horizon also makes sense for UNO in that several of its members are “city” schools: Oakland (Detroit), Detroit Mercy, Cleveland State, Illinois-Chicago and Milwaukee. Other members are Youngstown State, Green Bay, Wright State, Northern Kentucky and Valpo.

Sources at UNO say the school is happy with the Summit. Another Summit member, Denver, is said to be coveted by the Horizon.

The attraction of the Horizon would be city schools that face similar athletic budget challenges. And it would provide fertile recruiting ground for UNO basketball.

The Horizon also has a weekly Friday night game on ESPN.

Officials at the Horizon and UNO had no comment on Monday. Stay tuned. Now that the Final Four is over, the action might just be starting."


If this is the case, it would be quite interesting to see what 2...or 4 schools the HL have in mind.

First off, I kept reading this as University of New Orleans, not University of Nebraska-Omaha. But I think that UNO makes sense for the Valley, especially if they take UMKC too (at 11 schools they could go to 12 with Valparaiso or play a 20 game conference schedule). That would be too solid large city adds, though both would be on the western edge of the conference.
04-04-2017 11:32 AM
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esayem Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
When will Denver finally settle on a conference? It they had a consistent basketball team they would be a great Olympic addition to the MWC.
04-04-2017 11:37 AM
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bluesox Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
denver to the horizon seems insane. Not sure why the valley would want UNO when they can add either UIC or valpo. These leagues should work together to make some sense rather than attack each other, i mean they are 1 bid leagues afterall

MVC- Valpo for 10 members
Horizon- IUPU, IUFW, Western ILL for 12 members
Summit- UMKC, UND for 8 members
(This post was last modified: 04-04-2017 12:30 PM by bluesox.)
04-04-2017 12:26 PM
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dbackjon Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 12:26 PM)bluesox Wrote:  denver to the horizon seems insane. Not sure why the valley would want UNO when they can add either UIC or valpo. These leagues should work together to make some sense rather than attack each other, i mean they are 1 bid leagues afterall

MVC- Valpo for 10 members
Horizon- IUPU, IUFW, Western ILL for 12 members
Summit- UMKC, UND for 8 members

Why does everyone keep wanting to put WIU in the Horizon?
04-04-2017 01:10 PM
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Stugray2 Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
I don't see a good fit for the Horizon. They would want a school whose Basketball budget is in line with their top 7 school (6 if MVC raid UIC or Valpo) $2.2-2.9m per year. Definitely don't want to add more to the bottom (Don't need another YSU in basketball). So look at schools in the top 175

Not investing anywhere near enough (only UMKC is not below below NKU who are still growing their program, increasing budget):

216) University of Missouri-Kansas City (WAC ) $1,815,762
253) Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (tSL) $1,564,479
300) University of Nebraska at Omaha (tSL) $1,288,481
303) Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne (tSL) $1,269,206
304) Western Illinois University (tSL) $1,238,197

I think all the above can be ruled out as simply not investing enough for the Horizon. The Dakotas schools are also in teh above range, but never will be in consideration for the urban based Horizon anyway due to location. Schools on the above list may have strong interest in the Horizon, but the Horizon has little interest in them. These schools don;t help the Horizon.

More serious contenders would have to come from this list

114) University of Denver (tSL) $3,361,111
125) New Mexico State University-Main Campus (WAC) $3,003,045
127) Belmont University (OVC) $2,951,040
140) Oral Roberts University (tSL) $2,741,483
177) Murray State University (OVC) $2,218,712
178) Stephen F Austin State University (SLC) $2,188,109
197) Robert Morris University (NEC) $1,962,797

NMSU actually talked with the Horizon seriously over a year ago. They would up the profile, fit academically. But it's a heck of a travel issue, and not sure the interest was ever more than "what if" stuff. Denver also could fit, and although as far away as NMSU, well connected as a major UAL hub. Belmont would be nice with Nashville metro, but all indications are they are looking another direction (to the South) and like the OVC. Murray is the fan choice, but small metro, not easy to get to - well supported program. SFA always shows well on metrics, had a strong team a year ago; but Nacogdoches is not exactly a metro fit. RMU has been discussed, fits the metro, but right on the border line of acceptable investment. No great performance. Oral Roberts is not an academic fit, but has the metro, good support.

Football also is a concern that complicates RMU, SFA, Murray State, and NMSU. Belmont is not interested. ORU is just not a logical fit. Denver is a strange bird, passed on MVC because of their unique sports mix. I see no reason for them to move.

Unless the Horizon is willing to reach for an underfunded program, I don't see a fit at this time. They have the minimums in all their sports and losing a school actually leaves all team sports, except basketball, on even numbers which is easier to schedule. There just isn't a pressing need. Based on that my conclusion is nobody will be taken.
04-04-2017 01:21 PM
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DavidSt Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
Could a similar budget from a D2 school be interested making the jump? Could a Grand Valley State, Wayne State-Michigan, Saginaw Valley, Northern Michigan or a Michigan Tech be interested in making the jump? Horizon could be a fit for them with schools close by. Wisconsin-Parkside is D2 as well.

I am seeing D2 schools in the midwest and the plains could be actually be looked at to make the move.
04-04-2017 01:31 PM
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ken d Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
Why does any one bid league want to get bigger? All that does is reduce each team's share of the tournament money, and probably increase travel issues a little.

The only reason they shouldn't all be at 8 is that then some of them would have to be no-bid leagues, since the major conferences aren't going to allow more than 32 autobids.
04-04-2017 01:35 PM
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Chuck_A Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 01:35 PM)ken d Wrote:  Why does any one bid league want to get bigger? All that does is reduce each team's share of the tournament money, and probably increase travel issues a little.

The only reason they shouldn't all be at 8 is that then some of them would have to be no-bid leagues, since the major conferences aren't going to allow more than 32 autobids.

Obviously they figure if they get the "best" of the other "one bid" league, then possibly that'll add another bid to the expanding league. If the rpi and SOS are good, it just might work.
04-04-2017 01:41 PM
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DavidSt Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
Okay, does Bellarmine makes sense for Horizon League? They are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and are spending money for upgrading their facilities and adding sports.
04-04-2017 01:50 PM
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Chuck_A Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 01:50 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  Okay, does Bellarmine makes sense for Horizon League? They are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and are spending money for upgrading their facilities and adding sports.

You've finally listed a good choice. The problem is Bellarmine is not nearly ready for the jump to D1. Their basketball gym seats 2,196. They'd have to come more correct than that. But Louisville would be a nice new market for the Horizon.
(This post was last modified: 04-04-2017 01:56 PM by Chuck_A.)
04-04-2017 01:53 PM
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DavidSt Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 01:53 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:50 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  Okay, does Bellarmine makes sense for Horizon League? They are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and are spending money for upgrading their facilities and adding sports.

You've finally listed a good choice. The problem is Bellarmine is not nearly ready for the jump to D1. Their basketball gym seats a bit above 1,000. They'd have to come more correct than that. But Louisville would be a nice new market for the Horizon.


I think that is one of their major projects in the future along with a possible football field when they decide to start football. They are already playing D1 men's LAX. It is also hinting that they would make a move to D1 for them to add women's LAX.
04-04-2017 01:56 PM
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Chuck_A Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 01:56 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:53 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:50 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  Okay, does Bellarmine makes sense for Horizon League? They are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and are spending money for upgrading their facilities and adding sports.

You've finally listed a good choice. The problem is Bellarmine is not nearly ready for the jump to D1. Their basketball gym seats a bit above 1,000. They'd have to come more correct than that. But Louisville would be a nice new market for the Horizon.


I think that is one of their major projects in the future along with a possible football field when they decide to start football. They are already playing D1 men's LAX. It is also hinting that they would make a move to D1 for them to add women's LAX.

The NCAA is no longer allowing D2 programs to move a single sport up to the Division I level for competition.
04-04-2017 01:59 PM
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DavidSt Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 01:59 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:56 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:53 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:50 PM)DavidSt Wrote:  Okay, does Bellarmine makes sense for Horizon League? They are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and are spending money for upgrading their facilities and adding sports.

You've finally listed a good choice. The problem is Bellarmine is not nearly ready for the jump to D1. Their basketball gym seats a bit above 1,000. They'd have to come more correct than that. But Louisville would be a nice new market for the Horizon.


I think that is one of their major projects in the future along with a possible football field when they decide to start football. They are already playing D1 men's LAX. It is also hinting that they would make a move to D1 for them to add women's LAX.

The NCAA is no longer allowing D2 programs to move a single sport up to the Division I level for competition.


That is why Bellarmine said that they would have to move up as a whole. Just need to find a home conference who would invite them.
04-04-2017 02:04 PM
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Shox Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
Interesting. I don't think they can win in a membership fight with MVC. But talking strictly olympics here, UNO, Denver, Fort Wayne, UMKC and Little Rock to the Horizon could be a smart move. Detroit, Valpo, and UIC to the Valley allows both conferences to redefine themselves.
04-04-2017 02:06 PM
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ken d Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 01:41 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:35 PM)ken d Wrote:  Why does any one bid league want to get bigger? All that does is reduce each team's share of the tournament money, and probably increase travel issues a little.

The only reason they shouldn't all be at 8 is that then some of them would have to be no-bid leagues, since the major conferences aren't going to allow more than 32 autobids.

Obviously they figure if they get the "best" of the other "one bid" league, then possibly that'll add another bid to the expanding league. If the rpi and SOS are good, it just might work.

But if the "best" of the other league has an RPI over 100, just like yours does, that's never going to get you a second bid. One of yours is going to get left out, while a team from the conference you just raided will send its RPI #150 team to the dance instead. That is true for about 20 of the 32 existing conferences every year, and more than 20 some years.
04-04-2017 02:35 PM
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 02:35 PM)ken d Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:41 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:35 PM)ken d Wrote:  Why does any one bid league want to get bigger? All that does is reduce each team's share of the tournament money, and probably increase travel issues a little.

The only reason they shouldn't all be at 8 is that then some of them would have to be no-bid leagues, since the major conferences aren't going to allow more than 32 autobids.

Obviously they figure if they get the "best" of the other "one bid" league, then possibly that'll add another bid to the expanding league. If the rpi and SOS are good, it just might work.

But if the "best" of the other league has an RPI over 100, just like yours does, that's never going to get you a second bid. One of yours is going to get left out, while a team from the conference you just raided will send its RPI #150 team to the dance instead. That is true for about 20 of the 32 existing conferences every year, and more than 20 some years.


Why expand beyond 8? Guaranteed home games.

An 8 team league only guarantees you 7 home games, with 7 away games, and then you have to struggle to fill the remaining 14+ slots.

10 team league adds two home, two away, cutting your OOC needs to 10+

11 teams (with double round gets you another home and away guaranteed.
04-04-2017 02:47 PM
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
(04-04-2017 02:47 PM)dbackjon Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 02:35 PM)ken d Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:41 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(04-04-2017 01:35 PM)ken d Wrote:  Why does any one bid league want to get bigger? All that does is reduce each team's share of the tournament money, and probably increase travel issues a little.

The only reason they shouldn't all be at 8 is that then some of them would have to be no-bid leagues, since the major conferences aren't going to allow more than 32 autobids.

Obviously they figure if they get the "best" of the other "one bid" league, then possibly that'll add another bid to the expanding league. If the rpi and SOS are good, it just might work.

But if the "best" of the other league has an RPI over 100, just like yours does, that's never going to get you a second bid. One of yours is going to get left out, while a team from the conference you just raided will send its RPI #150 team to the dance instead. That is true for about 20 of the 32 existing conferences every year, and more than 20 some years.


Why expand beyond 8? Guaranteed home games.

An 8 team league only guarantees you 7 home games, with 7 away games, and then you have to struggle to fill the remaining 14+ slots.

10 team league adds two home, two away, cutting your OOC needs to 10+

11 teams (with double round gets you another home and away guaranteed.

Travel partners as well for scheduling purposes as well.
04-04-2017 02:48 PM
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Shox Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
Interesting. I don't think they can win in a membership fight with MVC. But talking strictly olympics here, UNO, Denver, Fort Wayne, UMKC and Little Rock to the Horizon could be a smart move. Detroit, Valpo, and UIC to the Valley allows both conferences to redefine themselves.
04-04-2017 02:55 PM
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NoDak Offline
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RE: The Next Realignment Effect on the Horizon League
If the Horizon wants both Denver and Omaha, might they attempt a takeover of the NCHC? Oakland, Wright St, Milwaukee, and Green Bay are prime schools that could add the sport. Ill St has a downtown arena and it's been rumored to be adding it. Ill-Chi could re-add it.

If Denver/NMSU and Omaha/UND get added, that will effectively put hockey under a Horizon banner.
(This post was last modified: 04-04-2017 03:02 PM by NoDak.)
04-04-2017 02:58 PM
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