Aresco:

Quote:“Any time a school leaves, you potentially negotiate an adjustment because obviously you lost something,” Aresco told the Orlando Sentinel Thursday. “We lost one of our teams and right now, we don’t have any intentions of replacing them, at least not for now. We’re talking with ESPN and we’ll reach a resolution and it will be amicable.”

“No school will end up getting less money than they were going to get originally,” Aresco said. “That typically won’t happen, it’s just a question of what adjustments you make and if you make financial adjustments, it still doesn’t mean anybody is going to get less.”

“I think down the road, I think our schools would like to get back to 12. We like divisional play in football," said Aresco, who indicated that only a handful of teams would be a perfect fit for the AAC.

(12-13-2019 11:01 AM)cscottl1981 Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 10:14 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 09:06 AM)cscottl1981 Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 08:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  With the p5 now discussing an 8 team playoff (which I feel means that it's only going to be a matter of time), the only logical additions are Boise, Byu, SDSU or an Airforce/Gonzaga combo. If we can get this done preemptively the 5-1-2 scenario could reasonable become an official 6-2 scenario with the AAC being granted a guaranteed spot with some garbage language that hypothetical leaves the g4 some fairy tale way in. Kinda like it is now.

Boise would take some Ls in the AAC, but what’s the great advantage of adding another team (if not required)? If it’s required for our TV contract or means more money....ok. Are we gonna get a real power conference designation and better bowl tie ins? I’m all for getting better as a conference; however, we’ve (as a conference) already taken pretty good hold of the G5 spot for an 8 team playoff. Might as well let BSU or whoever else test their luck from the outside.

Taking loses isn't the issue. The issue is consolidating all of the last acceptable brands outside of the p5 that can push the perception of the AAC to an acceptable level to pass the eye test with the powers that be while destroying any competition for the ny6 bowl and hopefully soon a playoff spot in an expanded 8 team system. Even now the yearly battle for the ny6 bowl isn't a g5 battle, it's an AAC vs Boise battle. From a business perspective this is very telling. To me it's not about if but when this is rectified.

Yeah that was kinda my point. We would need to be getting something out of adding Boise b/c our conference seems to have a pretty good claim to the NY6 bowl already without them.

IMO adding another team should only come as a requirement and/or a benefit (more $, auto NY6/8 team playoff spot, etc).

Yep it's pretty clear Boise will have to go undefeated with a good OOC schedule to get the NY6 slot - and that not a sure thing against even a one loss AAC champion. Lots of talk on the Boise & other MWC boards about them being consistently behind both Cincy & Memphis in the polls virtually locking them out of NY6 consideration. Also noted on the BYU boards when they discuss an expanded CFP where many are advocating AAC membership to get an opportunity to play for a national title.

(12-13-2019 11:15 AM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

Aresco:

Quote:“Any time a school leaves, you potentially negotiate an adjustment because obviously you lost something,” Aresco told the Orlando Sentinel Thursday. “We lost one of our teams and right now, we don’t have any intentions of replacing them, at least not for now. We’re talking with ESPN and we’ll reach a resolution and it will be amicable.”

“No school will end up getting less money than they were going to get originally,” Aresco said. “That typically won’t happen, it’s just a question of what adjustments you make and if you make financial adjustments, it still doesn’t mean anybody is going to get less.”

“I think down the road, I think our schools would like to get back to 12. We like divisional play in football," said Aresco, who indicated that only a handful of teams would be a perfect fit for the AAC.

So, nobody will get less money in the revised contract, and we may add a 12th school later because we like divisional play, but not right now.

(12-13-2019 09:08 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 03:48 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 02:02 PM)mikeinoki Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 12:20 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 12:08 PM)KnightNasty Wrote:  

Uhh ohh.

In a related note, Chris Gardner tweeted the following regarding ESPN+ production costs from the ECU AD.

'East Carolina athletics director Jon Gilbert said each broadcast will cost the athletic department around $6,500-$7,500 to hire announcers and a production crew. Multiplied by 45, that’s more than $300,000 annually spent on broadcasting games...'

Stephen Igoe from Hoist the Colours discussed this 12/10 with Gilbert on the radio.
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-369718716/htc121019

Article: New AAC TV deal provides more money to ECU, but also challenges

So we're basically shelling out $300k but getting a $5 million bump every year. Also about a $1 million one time cost to upgrade the broadcast booth. I'll take it.

Exactly. I posted that primarily to respond to those claiming ours ESPN+ production costs would be “2 million a year”. This is the first widely reported fairly difinitive word from inside the conference on the amount of those costs. Frankly—that’s about where I thought they would be.

How are we coming up with the 45 games? I understand the the conference will be covering production for football, we will produce basketball that doesn't end up on regular channels, but what about baseball (35ish home games plus postseason) + whatever garbage sports (womens bball, soccer, softball, etc) ESPN wants us to throw on Plus?

Not saying we'd jump to $2m, but I would think that there would be more contests that the schools would produce for other sports.

Yeah, I wonder about that also unless ESPN doesn’t care if they get students to produce the games for free on the other sports. Or will those games not be on ESPN+? You guys don’t have your own digital network.

On a conference call so I decided to check out some other message boards. Oooweee the MWC board is salty.

Apparently ESPN is gonna cut us down to their level now that UCONN is gone.

The number needs to be 12. No need to add 5 teams or however many. No need to add more time zones. The AAC is on an upward trajectory. No need to dilute the product. Just find one school between the Atlantic and Texas to add in the next 2 years to balance the schedule.

(12-13-2019 12:26 PM)mikeinoki Wrote:  The number needs to be 12. No need to add 5 teams or however many. No need to add more time zones. The AAC is on an upward trajectory. No need to dilute the product. Just find one school between the Atlantic and Texas to add in the next 2 years to balance the schedule.

I think everyone's issue is that there isn't a non-P5 team in our current timezones that would improve our net viewership/strength as an addition.

FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

(12-13-2019 12:44 PM)YNot Wrote:  FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

This is one of the points Ive made in the past. ESPN could save money by helping the AAC add three teams. If we were to take Air Force, Boise St and SDSU, that would be enough inventory out west to fill ESPNs needs and then they wouldnt have to even bid on teh MWC.

If they give the MWC $3 million each, it will cost them $36 million a year. They can add 3 teams to the AAC and pay $21 million.

In the end, I still think Air Force will be in the AAC by the end of 2021.

(12-13-2019 11:58 AM)MWC Tex Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 09:08 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 03:48 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 02:02 PM)mikeinoki Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 12:20 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Uhh ohh.

In a related note, Chris Gardner tweeted the following regarding ESPN+ production costs from the ECU AD.

'East Carolina athletics director Jon Gilbert said each broadcast will cost the athletic department around $6,500-$7,500 to hire announcers and a production crew. Multiplied by 45, that’s more than $300,000 annually spent on broadcasting games...'

Stephen Igoe from Hoist the Colours discussed this 12/10 with Gilbert on the radio.
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-369718716/htc121019

Article: New AAC TV deal provides more money to ECU, but also challenges

So we're basically shelling out $300k but getting a $5 million bump every year. Also about a $1 million one time cost to upgrade the broadcast booth. I'll take it.

Exactly. I posted that primarily to respond to those claiming ours ESPN+ production costs would be “2 million a year”. This is the first widely reported fairly difinitive word from inside the conference on the amount of those costs. Frankly—that’s about where I thought they would be.

How are we coming up with the 45 games? I understand the the conference will be covering production for football, we will produce basketball that doesn't end up on regular channels, but what about baseball (35ish home games plus postseason) + whatever garbage sports (womens bball, soccer, softball, etc) ESPN wants us to throw on Plus?

Not saying we'd jump to $2m, but I would think that there would be more contests that the schools would produce for other sports.

Yeah, I wonder about that also unless ESPN doesn’t care if they get students to produce the games for free on the other sports. Or will those games not be on ESPN+? You guys don’t have your own digital network.

The overall requirements for the other sports are much less, just in announcers, most will just have their radio double up or a local guy/student do it.

We keep pointing this out and other conferences keep ignoring it, but we do have a digital network the American Digital Network. Several programs had their own digital network as well (Wichita actually came in with a good one, USF, Tulsa has Hurricane Vision or whatever) everyone has at least the foundation required to produce and some (Memphis, Cincy) were already running local/regional broadcasts. ECU is most likely the furthest behind and their total to catch up us 1m. Most of the cost for the other sports will just be transferred from the American Digital/school network to ESPN+. Basketball and football will be added expense because in the previous deal ESPN covered those when on ESPN3, now those costs will fall to the schools for basketball and the conference for football. Tournaments will be covered by ESPN if I remember correctly.

300-500k will be the annual cost depending on school and individual talent cost.

(12-13-2019 12:55 PM)mtmedlin Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:44 PM)YNot Wrote:  FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

This is one of the points Ive made in the past. ESPN could save money by helping the AAC add three teams. If we were to take Air Force, Boise St and SDSU, that would be enough inventory out west to fill ESPNs needs and then they wouldnt have to even bid on teh MWC.

If they give the MWC $3 million each, it will cost them $36 million a year. They can add 3 teams to the AAC and pay $21 million.

In the end, I still think Air Force will be in the AAC by the end of 2021.

Boise will not be invited. That bridge was burned. Otherwise carry on.

(12-13-2019 01:07 PM)Foreverandever Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:55 PM)mtmedlin Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:44 PM)YNot Wrote:  FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

This is one of the points Ive made in the past. ESPN could save money by helping the AAC add three teams. If we were to take Air Force, Boise St and SDSU, that would be enough inventory out west to fill ESPNs needs and then they wouldnt have to even bid on teh MWC.

If they give the MWC $3 million each, it will cost them $36 million a year. They can add 3 teams to the AAC and pay $21 million.

In the end, I still think Air Force will be in the AAC by the end of 2021.

Boise will not be invited. That bridge was burned. Otherwise carry on.

Like Ive said before, not all the same people are here that were there when that happened. I know half this conference has new ADs and many have new presidents since then... and if our Pimp (espn) says this is what they want, it will happen.

(12-13-2019 01:07 PM)Foreverandever Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:55 PM)mtmedlin Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:44 PM)YNot Wrote:  FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

This is one of the points Ive made in the past. ESPN could save money by helping the AAC add three teams. If we were to take Air Force, Boise St and SDSU, that would be enough inventory out west to fill ESPNs needs and then they wouldnt have to even bid on teh MWC.

If they give the MWC $3 million each, it will cost them $36 million a year. They can add 3 teams to the AAC and pay $21 million.

In the end, I still think Air Force will be in the AAC by the end of 2021.

Boise will not be invited. That bridge was burned. Otherwise carry on.

Don't think that is right. Boise won't be invited with some special provisions, allocations etc as they previously wanted & that might mean a reduced revenue share initially if they want to come. And I think they are beginning to see reality, at least their FB coach seems too, as is BYU. Boise wants a better chance to compete for the NY6 (they have no chance now unless undefeated & maybe not then). And BYU has no chance to play for a national championship but might have if a conference member in the AAC if the CFP goes to 8 or more. For sure there is no long term future for Boise in the MWC or BYU as an independent - if either want to continue to grow their programs.

(12-13-2019 12:44 PM)YNot Wrote:  FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

I really don’t want this to happen. That 3hr time difference would move our cross division games to awful time slots, and wreak havoc on my sleep. That is mainly a selfish concern, but it would drag down our ratings too, I would assume.

(12-13-2019 01:06 PM)Foreverandever Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 11:58 AM)MWC Tex Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 09:08 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 03:48 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 02:02 PM)mikeinoki Wrote:  Stephen Igoe from Hoist the Colours discussed this 12/10 with Gilbert on the radio.
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-369718716/htc121019

Article: New AAC TV deal provides more money to ECU, but also challenges

So we're basically shelling out $300k but getting a $5 million bump every year. Also about a $1 million one time cost to upgrade the broadcast booth. I'll take it.

Exactly. I posted that primarily to respond to those claiming ours ESPN+ production costs would be “2 million a year”. This is the first widely reported fairly difinitive word from inside the conference on the amount of those costs. Frankly—that’s about where I thought they would be.

How are we coming up with the 45 games? I understand the the conference will be covering production for football, we will produce basketball that doesn't end up on regular channels, but what about baseball (35ish home games plus postseason) + whatever garbage sports (womens bball, soccer, softball, etc) ESPN wants us to throw on Plus?

Not saying we'd jump to $2m, but I would think that there would be more contests that the schools would produce for other sports.

Yeah, I wonder about that also unless ESPN doesn’t care if they get students to produce the games for free on the other sports. Or will those games not be on ESPN+? You guys don’t have your own digital network.

The overall requirements for the other sports are much less, just in announcers, most will just have their radio double up or a local guy/student do it.

We keep pointing this out and other conferences keep ignoring it, but we do have a digital network the American Digital Network. Several programs had their own digital network as well (Wichita actually came in with a good one, USF, Tulsa has Hurricane Vision or whatever) everyone has at least the foundation required to produce and some (Memphis, Cincy) were already running local/regional broadcasts. ECU is most likely the furthest behind and their total to catch up us 1m. Most of the cost for the other sports will just be transferred from the American Digital/school network to ESPN+. Basketball and football will be added expense because in the previous deal ESPN covered those when on ESPN3, now those costs will fall to the schools for basketball and the conference for football. Tournaments will be covered by ESPN if I remember correctly.

300-500k will be the annual cost depending on school and individual talent cost.

Where do you get that we're behind? Our production facilities were built into the stadium expansion in 2010, in anticipation of this very scenario. They need expanding and some updating in tech, and some addition fiber needs to be run here and there. The $1 mil isn't for catchup, its for basically expansion and update because the production room isn't the size we need.

(12-13-2019 12:24 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  On a conference call so I decided to check out some other message boards. Oooweee the MWC board is salty.

Apparently ESPN is gonna cut us down to their level now that UCONN is gone.

They are hurting right now. They just learned that their 12-1 may not be the same as an AAC 11-2.

(12-13-2019 01:33 PM)Atlanta Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 01:07 PM)Foreverandever Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:55 PM)mtmedlin Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:44 PM)YNot Wrote:  FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

This is one of the points Ive made in the past. ESPN could save money by helping the AAC add three teams. If we were to take Air Force, Boise St and SDSU, that would be enough inventory out west to fill ESPNs needs and then they wouldnt have to even bid on teh MWC.

If they give the MWC $3 million each, it will cost them $36 million a year. They can add 3 teams to the AAC and pay $21 million.

In the end, I still think Air Force will be in the AAC by the end of 2021.

Boise will not be invited. That bridge was burned. Otherwise carry on.

Don't think that is right. Boise won't be invited with some special provisions, allocations etc as they previously wanted & that might mean a reduced revenue share initially if they want to come. And I think they are beginning to see reality, at least their FB coach seems too, as is BYU. Boise wants a better chance to compete for the NY6 (they have no chance now unless undefeated & maybe not then). And BYU has no chance to play for a national championship but might have if a conference member in the AAC if the CFP goes to 8 or more. For sure there is no long term future for Boise in the MWC or BYU as an independent - if either want to continue to grow their programs.

I think we're speculating on the bolded section. That hasn't really been proven. This year, Memphis, Boise, and App all had the same 12-1 record.

What we do know: The committee has shown that, with the same records, the AAC gets the nod.

What we don't know: Whether a 12-1 Boise (or App under weird circumstances) would have jumped our champ if it was a 11-2 Cindy or a 10-2 Navy. The current ranking now is Boise-App-Cindy. It's unknown whether Cindy would be at the top of those three had they won the CCG.

(12-13-2019 02:11 PM)PuddlePirate Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 01:06 PM)Foreverandever Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 11:58 AM)MWC Tex Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 09:08 AM)CoastalJuan Wrote:  

(12-12-2019 03:48 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  Exactly. I posted that primarily to respond to those claiming ours ESPN+ production costs would be “2 million a year”. This is the first widely reported fairly difinitive word from inside the conference on the amount of those costs. Frankly—that’s about where I thought they would be.

How are we coming up with the 45 games? I understand the the conference will be covering production for football, we will produce basketball that doesn't end up on regular channels, but what about baseball (35ish home games plus postseason) + whatever garbage sports (womens bball, soccer, softball, etc) ESPN wants us to throw on Plus?

Not saying we'd jump to $2m, but I would think that there would be more contests that the schools would produce for other sports.

Yeah, I wonder about that also unless ESPN doesn’t care if they get students to produce the games for free on the other sports. Or will those games not be on ESPN+? You guys don’t have your own digital network.

The overall requirements for the other sports are much less, just in announcers, most will just have their radio double up or a local guy/student do it.

We keep pointing this out and other conferences keep ignoring it, but we do have a digital network the American Digital Network. Several programs had their own digital network as well (Wichita actually came in with a good one, USF, Tulsa has Hurricane Vision or whatever) everyone has at least the foundation required to produce and some (Memphis, Cincy) were already running local/regional broadcasts. ECU is most likely the furthest behind and their total to catch up us 1m. Most of the cost for the other sports will just be transferred from the American Digital/school network to ESPN+. Basketball and football will be added expense because in the previous deal ESPN covered those when on ESPN3, now those costs will fall to the schools for basketball and the conference for football. Tournaments will be covered by ESPN if I remember correctly.

300-500k will be the annual cost depending on school and individual talent cost.

Where do you get that we're behind? Our production facilities were built into the stadium expansion in 2010, in anticipation of this very scenario. They need expanding and some updating in tech, and some addition fiber needs to be run here and there. The $1 mil isn't for catchup, its for basically expansion and update because the production room isn't the size we need.

So you don't need to upgrade stuff for a million dollars? Or you do?

I could be wrong but my understanding was ECU was mentioned by Aresco as someone who would have to update more, since several schools had recently done updates. None of the schools were expected to require serious investments and everyone was expected to be set to go well before the contract was in effect.

My understanding was Memphis, Houston, and Cincinnati were all ready to go (Memphis thanks to built in capability in facilities, Cincy/Houston with the new arenas). Everyone else had to do something here or there and a few more than others.

The question is whether Aresco, once again, chases a TV market, or chases success. Chasing markets works well in the short term but with no success on the field, you aren't going to capture 10% of the capacity of that market.

App State, for example, captures more of the TV market than UNCC does. App also reaches the Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Burlington) and has some impact in the Triangle. There aren't the big corporate dollars on campus the way a Charlotte might pull in but, in terms of value, App would garner attention purely based on their product for the past 15 years.

App State won't be the add here. I'd fully expect someone like Army or Air Force who has a rather large following irrespective of location.

(12-13-2019 01:07 PM)Foreverandever Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:55 PM)mtmedlin Wrote:  

(12-13-2019 12:44 PM)YNot Wrote:  FWIW, ESPN broadcast 14 MWC games in the 10pm ET timeslot on ESPN and ESPN2 this year. 6 of those involved Boise State and 1 was the BYU @ Utah State game. The total is 16 games in the 10pm ET timeslot when you add BYU home games, which includes the Boise State @ BYU game. I also note that Air Force and SDSU were each in 3 of the MWC games that did not involve Boise or BYU (Nevada was actually in 4, no one else was in more than 2).

So, ESPN really only needs about 14 games to satisfy its late-night western inventory needs that it currently gets from the MWC. They could get that inventory from 3 western additions to the AAC and, under a pro rata increase of the current AAC TV deal, would need only about $20M per year to get it.

This is one of the points Ive made in the past. ESPN could save money by helping the AAC add three teams. If we were to take Air Force, Boise St and SDSU, that would be enough inventory out west to fill ESPNs needs and then they wouldnt have to even bid on teh MWC.

If they give the MWC $3 million each, it will cost them $36 million a year. They can add 3 teams to the AAC and pay $21 million.

In the end, I still think Air Force will be in the AAC by the end of 2021.

Boise will not be invited. That bridge was burned. Otherwise carry on.

Didn’t temple get kicked out and rejoin, bridges can be rebuilt with $$