Pac-12 (or Pac-9 with what's left) was presented with multiple options by their commissioner yesterday and appears to be leaning toward an Apple TV+ streaming media deal.

I've mentioned the MAC doing something very similar in previous thread discussions on main MAC and NIU boards after our ESPN deal is up in 2026. The MAC presidents and commissioner should be in media deal discussions in 2025.

With a potential new precedent set with the first streaming-only conference media deal, would Toledo fans be open to a similar deal for Saturday games on Amazon, Netflix, Peacock, or another streamer? Maybe add a Fox Sports or CBS Sports secondary deal for the occasional TV games.

ESPN has already locked up recent contracts with Big 12, CUSA, and SBC so playing 1/3 of our schedule on weekdays doesn't appear to be going away if MAC re-signs with them after 2026. Would they be willing to do a MAC channel on their ESPN+ app and do an all Saturday deal?

(08-03-2023 07:28 AM)epasnoopy Wrote:  Pac-12 (or Pac-9 with what's left) was presented with multiple options by their commissioner yesterday and appears to be leaning toward an Apple TV+ streaming media deal.

I've mentioned the MAC doing something very similar in previous thread discussions on main MAC and NIU boards after our ESPN deal is up in 2026. The MAC presidents and commissioner should be in media deal discussions in 2025.

With a potential new precedent set with the first streaming-only conference media deal, would Toledo fans be open to a similar deal for Saturday games on Amazon, Netflix, Peacock, or another streamer? Maybe add a Fox Sports or CBS Sports secondary deal for the occasional TV games.

ESPN has already locked up recent contracts with Big 12, CUSA, and SBC so playing 1/3 of our schedule on weekdays doesn't appear to be going away if MAC re-signs with them after 2026. Would they be willing to do a MAC channel on their ESPN+ app and do an all Saturday deal?

I mean...they didn't sign the deal, and it's quite literally going to kill the conference, so I'd say it's a moot point, but if it led to all Saturday games, I'd be all for it...if we maintained the weeknight games, abso-frickin-lutely not.

The FCS schools basically do this now. They play all Saturday games and their games are on ESPN3/+. I see MVC football games on the platform all the time.

(08-03-2023 07:28 AM)epasnoopy Wrote:  Pac-12 (or Pac-9 with what's left) was presented with multiple options by their commissioner yesterday and appears to be leaning toward an Apple TV+ streaming media deal.

I've mentioned the MAC doing something very similar in previous thread discussions on main MAC and NIU boards after our ESPN deal is up in 2026. The MAC presidents and commissioner should be in media deal discussions in 2025.

With a potential new precedent set with the first streaming-only conference media deal, would Toledo fans be open to a similar deal for Saturday games on Amazon, Netflix, Peacock, or another streamer? Maybe add a Fox Sports or CBS Sports secondary deal for the occasional TV games.

ESPN has already locked up recent contracts with Big 12, CUSA, and SBC so playing 1/3 of our schedule on weekdays doesn't appear to be going away if MAC re-signs with them after 2026. Would they be willing to do a MAC channel on their ESPN+ app and do an all Saturday deal?

The deal is all based on perceived growth of the Apple market with per team revenues expected to meet BIG 12 level in coming years. I have extreme doubts.

First of all it is a projection and a delayed projection at that. A double whammy.

It might be signed since there is no alternative but in my view the announcement further hastens the exodus of teams from the PAC12 (9). It cements their view of an iffy future. Now the current PAC 12 members have a firm glimpse at a very very iffy future revenue future.

I expect 3 more PAC 12 teams to announce their departure to the BIG 12 within the next few weeks. Unfortunately for Pitt, UL, & Va-Tech they are still locked in to the long term ACC media rights deal. They would be a great eastern fit for the BIG 12 to re-build old Big East rivalries with WVa and UC. That means the Big 12 could easily grab ASU, UA, & UU.

UW and OU are the mystery PAC 12 programs. The BIG is holding cards pretty tight since they are looking at UNC and UVa hard. FSU & Clemson will go to SEC eventually. And of course ND is always hanging out there. They may never join BIG with expanded playoff schedule and new media rights deal hanging in balance.

MAC could look at both a streaming and ESPN deal. Lots of option potentially available. Streaming has lots of programming hours to fill. This could be good for MAC negotiations.

Go Rockets!

Also keep in mind, Netflix and Amazon have 3-4x the amount of subscribers than regular ESPN channel. ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN3/+ where our games are currently found have even less subscribers than regular ESPN.

MAC becomes Netflix' buy-in to the sports streaming market after they buy or join the remaining contract from ESPN. We're big in Italy now.

(08-03-2023 01:29 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  Also keep in mind, Netflix and Amazon have 3-4x the amount of subscribers than regular ESPN channel. ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN3/+ where our games are currently found have even less subscribers than regular ESPN.

That's a good point but Apple does not have this reach yet. Streaming on Netflix or Amazon would be awesome for MAC but isn't the BIG getting a streaming contract this year? dunno.

(08-03-2023 02:02 PM)eastisbest Wrote:  MAC becomes Netflix' buy-in to the sports streaming market after they buy or join the remaining contract from ESPN. We're big in Italy now.

WE are!!!!!!! The Italians can kick back with some good concord grape vino and Patron Saints suds and watch some MACtion !!!!

Go Rockets!

If MACtion was 2 games for every team I think I'd be happy. I love the national exposure. That's only going to grow as gambling becomes more prevalent with the young generations. More eyeballs to see if they made lunch money the next day is good for TV numbers. But you have to weigh how much content is outthere still drawing better than a live Wednesday game...

Get away from televising weekday games in November, period.

I appreciate reading others thoughts on this topic and our current media deal.

I have felt that the current contract has been a poor deal for the conference the last five years. Between the small payout, the poor coverage by putting 3 MAC games on a single day with essentially the same kickoff times, and even regulating a few weekday games to the ESPN3/+ platform (why play a weekday game if it's only gonna be streamed?).

I feel that cable TV and how we as a society consume video entertainment is changing. I haven't had cable TV in probably 10 years. There's little need for it since I don't have the time or interest in watching that much live content and paying for channels I don't watch. Paid ESPN is continually losing more subscribers, meanwhile Netflix and Amazon each have 3-4x as many subscribers as the original ESPN channel. Even HBO Max has more subscribers than ESPN channel.

Times are changing and the MAC needs to evolve with the changing consumer habits and not get stuck in another 13-year commitment to weekday ESPN2/ESPNU coverage, especially one that is a declining brand.

And amen to that !

Another point to consider..ESPN is dying..revenue can't meet current league contracts and when those come up for renewal, ESPN will no longer be a viable media partner for any major pro or NCAA contract...if they survive it will be on sports news production, a few key sports talk shows, obscure sports (pickleball), their vault material and some in house specials..Disney will be certain to dump them off to another owner who won't have resources needed to continue ESPN programming and contacts as they currently exist..not so sure any CFB conference, including MAC, will want to tie themselves to the Titanic that is ESPN.