http://hamptonroads.com/2015/06/whit-babcock-qa-part-ii-coa-implementation-revenue-sources-and-uniform-colors

AB: You look at the SEC and Big Ten and the projected revenue models and they’re the two conferences separating themselves from the pack. Do you feel confident in where the ACC is going and what ground it can make up on those two, certainly in terms of a network?

WB: I do. I feel like the ACC is absolutely going in the right direction. And in fact, I like it, when you’re talking about channels and networks and platforms and all that, I really like the fact that all of our rights are controlled by ESPN. Where the Big Ten might have FOX and the Big Ten Network and all that. When your whole platform is the No. 1 channel that pretty much everybody turns to when they turn on sports, they’re the best marketers, they’re the best promoters. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the SEC channel was the No. 1 cable launch in history. It opened in 86 million homes, is equal to ESPNU on Day 1. And ESPN made that happen. And I know the SEC has demand and all that, but the ACC does too. So again, commissioner [John] Swofford and all them will figure out that channel and work on that and I have complete confidence in them. But there’s hopefully a number of ways as the ACC that we can increase that revenue share. But I actually like where we’re positioned. I like the league. We cover as a league, I think 40 percent of the United States population in our footprint. So it’s a good time to be a part of the ACC, but yes, we all realize that number needs to keep growing if we’re going to be competitive nationally.

To me it just sounds like the standard boilerplate line.

And really .... if he was pissed and had no confidence, do you think he's going to say that out loud?

So he didn't really say anything new or anything that hasn't already been said for 3+ years?

(06-26-2015 11:19 PM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  To me it just sounds like the standard boilerplate line.

And really .... if he was pissed and had no confidence, do you think he's going to say that out loud?

Pretty much

I doubt he's overly upset, but there's no way that he would say anything other than what he said, no matter what.

When someone says "there are a number of ways that we could improve conference revenue," I always wish someone would follow up with 1) what are they?, 2) how much revenue improvement will they generate?, and 3) why haven't we done them yet/why are we just not getting around to it?

I realize some of it might be secretive (i.e. expansion plans - if we have any), but I have a hard time imagining that too much of anything else that we could be doing needs to be top secret.

I consider it an absolute disaster that Espn owns all the conference content. This is the #1 thing killing this whole deal. Will it kill the conference? We'll see......

I don't think staying with espn is a killer. Staying with the current model with a 2m increase I think would be viewed that way. And so far, Swofford hasn't ruled that out.

(06-26-2015 11:19 PM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  To me it just sounds like the standard boilerplate line.

And really .... if he was pissed and had no confidence, do you think he's going to say that out loud?

Can't you say that about anybody? It's all games.

RE ACC Network. I can't wait for the ACC network. I really hope it happens. I know Central New York will be locked in. I want to learn about your history's. I like being a part of something. And the ACC Network sounds awesome.

I'm sorry if my post was too positive

(06-27-2015 07:36 AM)44AndThe23 Wrote:  

(06-26-2015 11:19 PM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  To me it just sounds like the standard boilerplate line.

And really .... if he was pissed and had no confidence, do you think he's going to say that out loud?

Can't you say that about anybody? It's all games.

RE ACC Network. I can't wait for the ACC network. I really hope it happens. I know Central New York will be locked in. I want to learn about your history's. I like being a part of something. And the ACC Network sounds awesome.

I'm sorry if my post was too positive

I am also excited for the ACCN and I find it funny that the ACC has been transparent from day one...No one in the ACC or ESPN said before 2017. So why all the doubt and HATE.... when the LHN/PAC/BIG launched the SEC still could launch....why folks think the ACC will not is crazy to me.

I think some of what is being perceived as "negativism" is probably more "prudence".

The prudent way of thinking is - If ESPN thought the ACCN would make them $$$ then why hasn't it launched or even been announced to launch by them?

Since there is no good answer to this question, then the thinking would be, maybe it won't make ESPN $$$ or at least not enough $$$ to risk it at this time.

Which means, the ACC still needs to prove itself both on the field and in their bb arenas some more before ESPN will invest in it and throw its support behind an ACCN in the way they were willing to do it for an SECN.

This isn't the equivalent of the LHN where ESPN knew going in that they would take a hit on it. They did this for entirely different reasons that may come to fruition soon or maybe even blow up in their faces. But to a company like ESPN/Disney, $15 million loss annually is a drop in the bucket for a period of a decade or so. Investing between 75-100 million dollars annually over a longer period of time is another matter.

Just something to consider.

Cheers,
Neil

(06-27-2015 12:42 PM)GTFletch Wrote:  

(06-27-2015 07:36 AM)44AndThe23 Wrote:  

(06-26-2015 11:19 PM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  To me it just sounds like the standard boilerplate line.

And really .... if he was pissed and had no confidence, do you think he's going to say that out loud?

Can't you say that about anybody? It's all games.

RE ACC Network. I can't wait for the ACC network. I really hope it happens. I know Central New York will be locked in. I want to learn about your history's. I like being a part of something. And the ACC Network sounds awesome.

I've cut the cord (for the most part)...the B1G is getting bupkis from me...while the SEC is getting something from me.
I'm sorry if my post was too positive

I am also excited for the ACCN and I find it funny that the ACC has been transparent from day one...No one in the ACC or ESPN said before 2017. So why all the doubt and HATE.... when the LHN/PAC/BIG launched the SEC still could launch....why folks think the ACC will not is crazy to me.

^Great Point^
Any one with a brain knows it is complicated. Also, great upheaval in the the cable industry right now...better find the right mix of media outlets than to tie yourself to what worked 3 years ago.

The ACCN will eventually happen but there are other events that have to happen first. Until some of these things happen, there really isn't anything new that these Officials can say in response to questions like this.

(06-27-2015 01:12 PM)He1nousOne Wrote:  The ACCN will eventually happen but there are other events that have to happen first. Until some of these things happen, there really isn't anything new that these Officials can say in response to questions like this.

What events?

(06-28-2015 07:14 PM)uofl05 Wrote:  

(06-27-2015 01:12 PM)He1nousOne Wrote:  The ACCN will eventually happen but there are other events that have to happen first. Until some of these things happen, there really isn't anything new that these Officials can say in response to questions like this.

What events?

I think he meant these...

You will never see an ACCN with 20-30 ESPN talking heads from SEC schools and/or SEC media WITH revenue.

Maybe a small digital network that is passed off in a PR attempt to hide the reality that ESPN has no interest.


Most likely, in 3 years we will STILL be hearing about what is going to happen. All just sounds like a scam after this long.

Guys, it's leverage. The ACC will have to agree to something that ESPN feels is of equal value to them starting up an ACC Network.

(06-28-2015 11:38 PM)He1nousOne Wrote:  Guys, it's leverage. The ACC will have to agree to something that ESPN feels is of equal value to them starting up an ACC Network.

That 2m a year if they don't start one?

(06-29-2015 05:03 AM)TIGER-PAUL Wrote:  

(06-28-2015 11:38 PM)He1nousOne Wrote:  Guys, it's leverage. The ACC will have to agree to something that ESPN feels is of equal value to them starting up an ACC Network.

That 2m a year if they don't start one?

I would be shocked if ESPN pays NOT to launch an ACC Network - especially when you consider how profitable the SEC Network has been for them!

If there is a hold-up I could see ACC programs not wanting to ante up to buy back some Tier 3 rights - they just need to open the checkbook, though.

(06-28-2015 11:38 PM)He1nousOne Wrote:  Guys, it's leverage. The ACC will have to agree to something that ESPN feels is of equal value to them starting up an ACC Network.

I think the thing that would Jump start the ACC Network is the Basketball Strength. I know Football is the Primary Sting for the B!G and SEC Networks , and ACC has a decent amount of Football Powers but, Basketball Drives the Indoor Winter time TV ratings and That Still is a Huge Market for the ACC and the entire East Coast.

(06-28-2015 07:14 PM)uofl05 Wrote:  

(06-27-2015 01:12 PM)He1nousOne Wrote:  The ACCN will eventually happen but there are other events that have to happen first. Until some of these things happen, there really isn't anything new that these Officials can say in response to questions like this.

What events?

I believe he is referring to the B1G tv negotiations & possible expansion or mainly what will happen with the Big 12. I don't want to speak for H1 but I think I understand his scenario.

(06-29-2015 09:22 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(06-28-2015 07:14 PM)uofl05 Wrote:  

(06-27-2015 01:12 PM)He1nousOne Wrote:  The ACCN will eventually happen but there are other events that have to happen first. Until some of these things happen, there really isn't anything new that these Officials can say in response to questions like this.

What events?

I believe he is referring to the B1G tv negotiations & possible expansion or mainly what will happen with the Big 12. I don't want to speak for H1 but I think I understand his scenario.

THIS IS PROBABLY CORRECT.
Still, I would like to see pigs flying in the light of a blue moon on Never 12th.