(09-15-2020 03:21 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  

(09-14-2020 04:50 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-13-2020 09:22 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  

(09-11-2020 12:57 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(09-10-2020 05:57 PM)JRsec Wrote:  I love it! The college game in the SEC is very strong and we make money on baseball. The Southern ACC schools and the Big 12 and some of the West Coast schools could form a very nice association. And when I said the money was in the tournament it's because it too is controlled by the NCAA who doles out a little to the 64 schools who make the field, but nothing like they could make by holding their own tournament and splitting the TV money. We already monetize the regular season and Conference Tournament pretty well. So it's the tourney money that would put it over the top for more schools.

It's still one of the most relaxing ways to spend a Spring afternoon.

Oddly, the first college sports event I attended was a baseball game. Way, way back in the 60s when I was a kid I went to a UK-LSU game in Lexington.

Same for me. Used to go to Alabama baseball games as a kid on occasion. I was in high school before I ever went to a football or basketball game.

The recent growth of youth "Travel Baseball" has been huge.
When municipalities almost killed youth baseball when they instituted participation baseball.......every kid that wanted to play made some team.
Youth soccer was king here in Greensboro.
When I was coaching baseball, there were several years when 1/3 of my team would miss games to try out for a soccer team. It didn't make for good relations with their parents, who seemed to have an odd understanding of commitment.
Now the shoe is on the other foot. Travel ball plays in the spring and fall......and the better athletes are now playing baseball on a scale not seen since late '50 and early '60s.
Complexes are being built, tournaments are being held, youth baseball is attracting great athletes, which in turn is attracting attention to the college game.
https://www.ripkenbaseball.com/myrtle-beach-facilities
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1AOHY_enUS715US716&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=cal+ripken+experience+pictures&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2_9DDrujrAhWkuVkKHehEAWQQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1137&bih=754

Baseball and women's softball are the next "big thing" in collegiate athletic television broadcasting.

And moving the season would help draw attention.

Not having to compete with March Madness or the latter schedules of Winter sports should help baseball and softball with ratings and attendance.

The shrinking of the minor leagues is going to help too. More quality ball players in the college ranks and fewer communities with a local team to watch.

(09-23-2020 05:11 AM)XLance Wrote:  What we will see with future realignment is; inventory management for the networks.
Moving schools into positions so that TV schedules for each region of the country can be maximized.
It may be years before college football fans return in full numbers. Many season ticket holders (especially older ones) may not ever return.
TV revenue (even though reduced) will become more important. Stadium sizes will be reduced. Coaching salaries that were cut this year, will not return to the rapid growth we have seen over the last 20 years.
The west coast as a major force is done and in several years won't even be counted among the P5.

The real danger of the next 3-5 years is that the networks (ESPN/FOX) will not be willing to invest in college sports without more guarantees of reliable inventory.
This year's actions of the B1G and the PAC have permanently damaged their future value.

(09-23-2020 01:31 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Inventory management is a great word for it. The networks want to concentrate the big brands into fewer conferences to cut down on their total payouts.

I don’t see the COVID debacle permanently hurting the Big Ten but the PAC 12 is a declining property and I think this year will hasten that decline. The question is will they hold tight and decline together or will their more valuable members seek independence or membership in another conference to keep competing at a high level.

(09-23-2020 02:40 PM)schmolik Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 01:31 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Inventory management is a great word for it. The networks want to concentrate the big brands into fewer conferences to cut down on their total payouts.

I don’t see the COVID debacle permanently hurting the Big Ten but the PAC 12 is a declining property and I think this year will hasten that decline. The question is will they hold tight and decline together or will their more valuable members seek independence or membership in another conference to keep competing at a high level.

Some other conference has to want the Pac-12 members. On paper, UCLA, USC, Cal, and or Stanford would be valuable. Maybe they would be as football only. Try asking the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, or (gasp) ACC women's volleyball teams to LA or San Fran for games. Geographically maybe Colorado and/or the Arizona schools get a look. The California schools will be in play because California is California. Oregon has good football and that will be a factor but the geography is terrible. Washington's football isn't as good as Oregon and geography's worse than Oregon although Seattle is a bigger market than Portland.

(09-23-2020 02:40 PM)schmolik Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 01:31 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Inventory management is a great word for it. The networks want to concentrate the big brands into fewer conferences to cut down on their total payouts.

I don’t see the COVID debacle permanently hurting the Big Ten but the PAC 12 is a declining property and I think this year will hasten that decline. The question is will they hold tight and decline together or will their more valuable members seek independence or membership in another conference to keep competing at a high level.

Some other conference has to want the Pac-12 members. On paper, UCLA, USC, Cal, and or Stanford would be valuable. Maybe they would be as football only. Try asking the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, or (gasp) ACC women's volleyball teams to LA or San Fran for games. Geographically maybe Colorado and/or the Arizona schools get a look. The California schools will be in play because California is California. Oregon has good football and that will be a factor but the geography is terrible. Washington's football isn't as good as Oregon and geography's worse than Oregon although Seattle is a bigger market than Portland.

(09-25-2020 04:50 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 02:40 PM)schmolik Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 01:31 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Inventory management is a great word for it. The networks want to concentrate the big brands into fewer conferences to cut down on their total payouts.

I don’t see the COVID debacle permanently hurting the Big Ten but the PAC 12 is a declining property and I think this year will hasten that decline. The question is will they hold tight and decline together or will their more valuable members seek independence or membership in another conference to keep competing at a high level.

Some other conference has to want the Pac-12 members. On paper, UCLA, USC, Cal, and or Stanford would be valuable. Maybe they would be as football only. Try asking the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, or (gasp) ACC women's volleyball teams to LA or San Fran for games. Geographically maybe Colorado and/or the Arizona schools get a look. The California schools will be in play because California is California. Oregon has good football and that will be a factor but the geography is terrible. Washington's football isn't as good as Oregon and geography's worse than Oregon although Seattle is a bigger market than Portland.

Why?
After what we have seen this year.....nobody wants to deal with PAC schools or travel to the west coast.

(09-25-2020 09:36 AM)Thiefery Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 04:50 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 02:40 PM)schmolik Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 01:31 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Inventory management is a great word for it. The networks want to concentrate the big brands into fewer conferences to cut down on their total payouts.

I don’t see the COVID debacle permanently hurting the Big Ten but the PAC 12 is a declining property and I think this year will hasten that decline. The question is will they hold tight and decline together or will their more valuable members seek independence or membership in another conference to keep competing at a high level.

Some other conference has to want the Pac-12 members. On paper, UCLA, USC, Cal, and or Stanford would be valuable. Maybe they would be as football only. Try asking the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, or (gasp) ACC women's volleyball teams to LA or San Fran for games. Geographically maybe Colorado and/or the Arizona schools get a look. The California schools will be in play because California is California. Oregon has good football and that will be a factor but the geography is terrible. Washington's football isn't as good as Oregon and geography's worse than Oregon although Seattle is a bigger market than Portland.

Why?
After what we have seen this year.....nobody wants to deal with PAC schools or travel to the west coast.

AZ, UT probably are the most enticing for the Big12.. think SC goes independent before it thinks about the Big12 (although it could get a monster deal for it's tier3)

(09-25-2020 11:18 AM)JRsec Wrote:  When you look a the metrics there are 4 PAC 12 schools that add to the bottom line of the Big 12: Stanford, Washington, U.C.L.A., and U.S.C. Arizona Sate has he better program numbers and Arizona the better academics, but both are among the most subsidized of the P5. Utah's athletic department has run into some significant red ink issues. Snatching the L.A. schools would definitely help, but probably isn't likely as a pair. U.S.C. could make the jump, but U.C.L.A. as a California state school would probably have oodles of red tape preventing them. And I doubt U.S.C. will come by themselves, but it at least is possible.

So if I'm the Big 12 I would concentrate on U.S.C., test the waters on Stanford and keep B.Y.U. as a back up. I get the issues with B.Y.U. but they add content value, some national appeal, add to the attendance average, and are well funded.

(09-25-2020 11:47 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:18 AM)JRsec Wrote:  When you look a the metrics there are 4 PAC 12 schools that add to the bottom line of the Big 12: Stanford, Washington, U.C.L.A., and U.S.C. Arizona Sate has he better program numbers and Arizona the better academics, but both are among the most subsidized of the P5. Utah's athletic department has run into some significant red ink issues. Snatching the L.A. schools would definitely help, but probably isn't likely as a pair. U.S.C. could make the jump, but U.C.L.A. as a California state school would probably have oodles of red tape preventing them. And I doubt U.S.C. will come by themselves, but it at least is possible.

So if I'm the Big 12 I would concentrate on U.S.C., test the waters on Stanford and keep B.Y.U. as a back up. I get the issues with B.Y.U. but they add content value, some national appeal, add to the attendance average, and are well funded.

I have to think if ESPN is going to bankroll a change like that, they would also find a new home for WVU (they would prefer ACC but would agree to SEC). In that case the Big XII adds an odd number of teams - either 3 or 5. USC and Stanford are no brainers, plus one of the Arizona schools most likely. I think Washington and Oregon are also offered (but not Wash. St. or Oregon St.). Utah and Colorado are secondary targets, IMO.

(09-25-2020 11:18 AM)JRsec Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 09:36 AM)Thiefery Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 04:50 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 02:40 PM)schmolik Wrote:  

(09-23-2020 01:31 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Inventory management is a great word for it. The networks want to concentrate the big brands into fewer conferences to cut down on their total payouts.

I don’t see the COVID debacle permanently hurting the Big Ten but the PAC 12 is a declining property and I think this year will hasten that decline. The question is will they hold tight and decline together or will their more valuable members seek independence or membership in another conference to keep competing at a high level.

Some other conference has to want the Pac-12 members. On paper, UCLA, USC, Cal, and or Stanford would be valuable. Maybe they would be as football only. Try asking the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, or (gasp) ACC women's volleyball teams to LA or San Fran for games. Geographically maybe Colorado and/or the Arizona schools get a look. The California schools will be in play because California is California. Oregon has good football and that will be a factor but the geography is terrible. Washington's football isn't as good as Oregon and geography's worse than Oregon although Seattle is a bigger market than Portland.

Why?
After what we have seen this year.....nobody wants to deal with PAC schools or travel to the west coast.

AZ, UT probably are the most enticing for the Big12.. think SC goes independent before it thinks about the Big12 (although it could get a monster deal for it's tier3)

When you look a the metrics there are 4 PAC 12 schools that add to the bottom line of the Big 12: Stanford, Washington, U.C.L.A., and U.S.C. Arizona Sate has he better program numbers and Arizona the better academics, but both are among the most subsidized of the P5. Utah's athletic department has run into some significant red ink issues. Snatching the L.A. schools would definitely help, but probably isn't likely as a pair. U.S.C. could make the jump, but U.C.L.A. as a California state school would probably have oodles of red tape preventing them. And I doubt U.S.C. will come by themselves, but it at least is possible.

So if I'm the Big 12 I would concentrate on U.S.C., test the waters on Stanford and keep B.Y.U. as a back up. I get the issues with B.Y.U. but they add content value, some national appeal, add to the attendance average, and are well funded.

(09-25-2020 11:47 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:18 AM)JRsec Wrote:  When you look a the metrics there are 4 PAC 12 schools that add to the bottom line of the Big 12: Stanford, Washington, U.C.L.A., and U.S.C. Arizona Sate has he better program numbers and Arizona the better academics, but both are among the most subsidized of the P5. Utah's athletic department has run into some significant red ink issues. Snatching the L.A. schools would definitely help, but probably isn't likely as a pair. U.S.C. could make the jump, but U.C.L.A. as a California state school would probably have oodles of red tape preventing them. And I doubt U.S.C. will come by themselves, but it at least is possible.

So if I'm the Big 12 I would concentrate on U.S.C., test the waters on Stanford and keep B.Y.U. as a back up. I get the issues with B.Y.U. but they add content value, some national appeal, add to the attendance average, and are well funded.

I have to think if ESPN is going to bankroll a change like that, they would also find a new home for WVU (they would prefer ACC but would agree to SEC). In that case the Big XII adds an odd number of teams - either 3 or 5. USC and Stanford are no brainers, plus one of the Arizona schools most likely. I think Washington and Oregon are also offered (but not Wash. St. or Oregon St.). Utah and Colorado are secondary targets, IMO.

(09-25-2020 02:21 PM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:47 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:18 AM)JRsec Wrote:  When you look a the metrics there are 4 PAC 12 schools that add to the bottom line of the Big 12: Stanford, Washington, U.C.L.A., and U.S.C. Arizona Sate has he better program numbers and Arizona the better academics, but both are among the most subsidized of the P5. Utah's athletic department has run into some significant red ink issues. Snatching the L.A. schools would definitely help, but probably isn't likely as a pair. U.S.C. could make the jump, but U.C.L.A. as a California state school would probably have oodles of red tape preventing them. And I doubt U.S.C. will come by themselves, but it at least is possible.

So if I'm the Big 12 I would concentrate on U.S.C., test the waters on Stanford and keep B.Y.U. as a back up. I get the issues with B.Y.U. but they add content value, some national appeal, add to the attendance average, and are well funded.

I have to think if ESPN is going to bankroll a change like that, they would also find a new home for WVU (they would prefer ACC but would agree to SEC). In that case the Big XII adds an odd number of teams - either 3 or 5. USC and Stanford are no brainers, plus one of the Arizona schools most likely. I think Washington and Oregon are also offered (but not Wash. St. or Oregon St.). Utah and Colorado are secondary targets, IMO.

The PAC and the west coast are now toxic.
None of the Americans in the central part of the US will want to have anything to do with the pacific coast. GODlessness doesn't play well in Texas and Oklahoma.

(08-30-2020 01:24 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:28 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:09 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 05:21 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(08-25-2020 10:04 AM)schmolik Wrote:  OK let's go really fantasy here. The SEC can take anyone they want from any conference (Notre Dame included). Who's on their wish list? Assume no baggage required (Texas won't require Texas Tech, Oklahoma won't require Oklahoma State, etc). How many teams would they take? How about Oklahoma, Texas, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame? If the SEC could get all six of them, would they still want to get Clemson and Florida State if they could get them too? Those are the three Big 12 properties in which ESPN would be most interested to have 100% of the rights.

They would go to 16 with Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida State.

Fixed it for you, Bullet. FSU is right on up there with Texas and Oklahoma. Clemson will only be taken if UofSC can't schedule Clemson OOC anymore.

ESPN wants to play happy family with the SEC and ACC. They will not permit the SEC to take from the ACC. Should Vanderbilt ever decide to become a partial or step down the SEC could easily move to 16 full members again with Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas with the Jayhawks coming in for a Kentucky rival. ESPN would be most interested in acquiring the rights to those three brands. So Bullet is correct the two top preferences are Texas and Oklahoma to 16. Vanderbilt is the only SEC school that might waffle on pay for play. So if they seek less of a role to play Kansas is the next choice, IMO.

For the time being JR ,(I really hate this new update to my phone!!)but once pay for play goes through, I'm thinking it's going to be like the Old Wild West when it comes to sports rights when the ACC's grant of rights expires. New content companies will challenge ESPN for sports rights and I am sure that the SEC will listen, whether or not the Mouse likes it. If the SEC grabs both Oklahoma & Texas, the Big Ten will calmly bide their time until the ACC GOR is up. If ESPN is wise, they will steer either Oklahoma or Texas to the Big Ten, and not let the SEC take both or ESPN will be looking at a Pandora's Box in the future!!

(09-18-2020 07:05 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-15-2020 03:21 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  

(09-14-2020 04:50 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-13-2020 09:22 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  

(09-11-2020 12:57 AM)bullet Wrote:  Oddly, the first college sports event I attended was a baseball game. Way, way back in the 60s when I was a kid I went to a UK-LSU game in Lexington.

Same for me. Used to go to Alabama baseball games as a kid on occasion. I was in high school before I ever went to a football or basketball game.

The recent growth of youth "Travel Baseball" has been huge.
When municipalities almost killed youth baseball when they instituted participation baseball.......every kid that wanted to play made some team.
Youth soccer was king here in Greensboro.
When I was coaching baseball, there were several years when 1/3 of my team would miss games to try out for a soccer team. It didn't make for good relations with their parents, who seemed to have an odd understanding of commitment.
Now the shoe is on the other foot. Travel ball plays in the spring and fall......and the better athletes are now playing baseball on a scale not seen since late '50 and early '60s.
Complexes are being built, tournaments are being held, youth baseball is attracting great athletes, which in turn is attracting attention to the college game.
https://www.ripkenbaseball.com/myrtle-beach-facilities
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1AOHY_enUS715US716&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=cal+ripken+experience+pictures&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2_9DDrujrAhWkuVkKHehEAWQQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1137&bih=754

Baseball and women's softball are the next "big thing" in collegiate athletic television broadcasting.

And moving the season would help draw attention.

Not having to compete with March Madness or the latter schedules of Winter sports should help baseball and softball with ratings and attendance.

The shrinking of the minor leagues is going to help too. More quality ball players in the college ranks and fewer communities with a local team to watch.

https://www.axios.com/minor-league-baseball-contraction-affiliate-status-c982331a-ae6a-4f5f-8eca-b902eb2c153a.html

This is the perfect opportunity for collegiate baseball to fill in the gap created by the shrinking minor league systems.
The down side would be the eventual elimination of collegiate summer league baseball whose seasons are already shortened to no more than 6-8 weeks.
If the trend continues for first semester exams to be over by Thanksgiving, the College calendars will kill off those leagues by themselves because students will have to return to campus earlier in August.

(09-26-2020 12:14 AM)TerryD Wrote:  

(08-30-2020 01:24 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:28 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:09 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 05:21 PM)bullet Wrote:  They would go to 16 with Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida State.

Fixed it for you, Bullet. FSU is right on up there with Texas and Oklahoma. Clemson will only be taken if UofSC can't schedule Clemson OOC anymore.

ESPN wants to play happy family with the SEC and ACC. They will not permit the SEC to take from the ACC. Should Vanderbilt ever decide to become a partial or step down the SEC could easily move to 16 full members again with Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas with the Jayhawks coming in for a Kentucky rival. ESPN would be most interested in acquiring the rights to those three brands. So Bullet is correct the two top preferences are Texas and Oklahoma to 16. Vanderbilt is the only SEC school that might waffle on pay for play. So if they seek less of a role to play Kansas is the next choice, IMO.

For the time being JR ,(I really hate this new update to my phone!!)but once pay for play goes through, I'm thinking it's going to be like the Old Wild West when it comes to sports rights when the ACC's grant of rights expires. New content companies will challenge ESPN for sports rights and I am sure that the SEC will listen, whether or not the Mouse likes it. If the SEC grabs both Oklahoma & Texas, the Big Ten will calmly bide their time until the ACC GOR is up. If ESPN is wise, they will steer either Oklahoma or Texas to the Big Ten, and not let the SEC take both or ESPN will be looking at a Pandora's Box in the future!!

(09-18-2020 07:05 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-15-2020 03:21 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  

(09-14-2020 04:50 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-13-2020 09:22 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  Same for me. Used to go to Alabama baseball games as a kid on occasion. I was in high school before I ever went to a football or basketball game.

The recent growth of youth "Travel Baseball" has been huge.
When municipalities almost killed youth baseball when they instituted participation baseball.......every kid that wanted to play made some team.
Youth soccer was king here in Greensboro.
When I was coaching baseball, there were several years when 1/3 of my team would miss games to try out for a soccer team. It didn't make for good relations with their parents, who seemed to have an odd understanding of commitment.
Now the shoe is on the other foot. Travel ball plays in the spring and fall......and the better athletes are now playing baseball on a scale not seen since late '50 and early '60s.
Complexes are being built, tournaments are being held, youth baseball is attracting great athletes, which in turn is attracting attention to the college game.
https://www.ripkenbaseball.com/myrtle-beach-facilities
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1AOHY_enUS715US716&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=cal+ripken+experience+pictures&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2_9DDrujrAhWkuVkKHehEAWQQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1137&bih=754

Baseball and women's softball are the next "big thing" in collegiate athletic television broadcasting.

And moving the season would help draw attention.

Not having to compete with March Madness or the latter schedules of Winter sports should help baseball and softball with ratings and attendance.

The shrinking of the minor leagues is going to help too. More quality ball players in the college ranks and fewer communities with a local team to watch.

https://www.axios.com/minor-league-baseball-contraction-affiliate-status-c982331a-ae6a-4f5f-8eca-b902eb2c153a.html

This is the perfect opportunity for collegiate baseball to fill in the gap created by the shrinking minor league systems.
The down side would be the eventual elimination of collegiate summer league baseball whose seasons are already shortened to no more than 6-8 weeks.
If the trend continues for first semester exams to be over by Thanksgiving, the College calendars will kill off those leagues by themselves because students will have to return to campus earlier in August.

The Appy League is being converted to a wooden bat collegiate summer league.

The official announcement will be made next Tuesday.

I am pissed as a Pirates fan who moved an hour and half away from Bristol (home of the BriBucs), but happy as a baseball fan that the league is not being totally shitcanned.



"The Appalachian League isn’t going away, it’s just going to have a different look.

Major League Baseball and USA Baseball will hold a joint video news conference Tuesday to announce a new format for the league. The plan calls for the nation’s top rising college freshmen and sophomores to take part in wooden-bat play.

MLB and USA Baseball will be in communication with the NCAA to ensure athlete eligibility requirements are met."



https://www.timesnews.net/sports/appy-league-to-return-as-collegiate-wooden-bat-league/article_192bd5f8-ff79-11ea-a717-53b2b52b90af.html

(08-30-2020 01:24 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:28 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:09 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 05:21 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(08-25-2020 10:04 AM)schmolik Wrote:  OK let's go really fantasy here. The SEC can take anyone they want from any conference (Notre Dame included). Who's on their wish list? Assume no baggage required (Texas won't require Texas Tech, Oklahoma won't require Oklahoma State, etc). How many teams would they take? How about Oklahoma, Texas, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame? If the SEC could get all six of them, would they still want to get Clemson and Florida State if they could get them too? Those are the three Big 12 properties in which ESPN would be most interested to have 100% of the rights.

They would go to 16 with Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida State.

Fixed it for you, Bullet. FSU is right on up there with Texas and Oklahoma. Clemson will only be taken if UofSC can't schedule Clemson OOC anymore.

ESPN wants to play happy family with the SEC and ACC. They will not permit the SEC to take from the ACC. Should Vanderbilt ever decide to become a partial or step down the SEC could easily move to 16 full members again with Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas with the Jayhawks coming in for a Kentucky rival. ESPN would be most interested in acquiring the rights to those three brands. So Bullet is correct the two top preferences are Texas and Oklahoma to 16. Vanderbilt is the only SEC school that might waffle on pay for play. So if they seek less of a role to play Kansas is the next choice, IMO.

For the time being JR ,(I really hate this new update to my phone!!)but once pay for play goes through, I'm thinking it's going to be like the Old Wild West when it comes to sports rights when the ACC's grant of rights expires. New content companies will challenge ESPN for sports rights and I am sure that the SEC will listen, whether or not the Mouse likes it. If the SEC grabs both Oklahoma & Texas, the Big Ten will calmly bide their time until the ACC GOR is up. If ESPN is wise, they will steer either Oklahoma or Texas to the Big Ten, and not let the SEC take both or ESPN will be looking at a Pandora's Box in the future!!

(09-26-2020 08:36 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-26-2020 12:14 AM)TerryD Wrote:  

(08-30-2020 01:24 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:28 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:09 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  Fixed it for you, Bullet. FSU is right on up there with Texas and Oklahoma. Clemson will only be taken if UofSC can't schedule Clemson OOC anymore.

ESPN wants to play happy family with the SEC and ACC. They will not permit the SEC to take from the ACC. Should Vanderbilt ever decide to become a partial or step down the SEC could easily move to 16 full members again with Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas with the Jayhawks coming in for a Kentucky rival. ESPN would be most interested in acquiring the rights to those three brands. So Bullet is correct the two top preferences are Texas and Oklahoma to 16. Vanderbilt is the only SEC school that might waffle on pay for play. So if they seek less of a role to play Kansas is the next choice, IMO.

For the time being JR ,(I really hate this new update to my phone!!)but once pay for play goes through, I'm thinking it's going to be like the Old Wild West when it comes to sports rights when the ACC's grant of rights expires. New content companies will challenge ESPN for sports rights and I am sure that the SEC will listen, whether or not the Mouse likes it. If the SEC grabs both Oklahoma & Texas, the Big Ten will calmly bide their time until the ACC GOR is up. If ESPN is wise, they will steer either Oklahoma or Texas to the Big Ten, and not let the SEC take both or ESPN will be looking at a Pandora's Box in the future!!

(09-18-2020 07:05 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-15-2020 03:21 PM)AllTideUp Wrote:  

(09-14-2020 04:50 AM)XLance Wrote:  The recent growth of youth "Travel Baseball" has been huge.
When municipalities almost killed youth baseball when they instituted participation baseball.......every kid that wanted to play made some team.
Youth soccer was king here in Greensboro.
When I was coaching baseball, there were several years when 1/3 of my team would miss games to try out for a soccer team. It didn't make for good relations with their parents, who seemed to have an odd understanding of commitment.
Now the shoe is on the other foot. Travel ball plays in the spring and fall......and the better athletes are now playing baseball on a scale not seen since late '50 and early '60s.
Complexes are being built, tournaments are being held, youth baseball is attracting great athletes, which in turn is attracting attention to the college game.
https://www.ripkenbaseball.com/myrtle-beach-facilities
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1AOHY_enUS715US716&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=cal+ripken+experience+pictures&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2_9DDrujrAhWkuVkKHehEAWQQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1137&bih=754

Baseball and women's softball are the next "big thing" in collegiate athletic television broadcasting.

And moving the season would help draw attention.

Not having to compete with March Madness or the latter schedules of Winter sports should help baseball and softball with ratings and attendance.

The shrinking of the minor leagues is going to help too. More quality ball players in the college ranks and fewer communities with a local team to watch.

https://www.axios.com/minor-league-baseball-contraction-affiliate-status-c982331a-ae6a-4f5f-8eca-b902eb2c153a.html

This is the perfect opportunity for collegiate baseball to fill in the gap created by the shrinking minor league systems.
The down side would be the eventual elimination of collegiate summer league baseball whose seasons are already shortened to no more than 6-8 weeks.
If the trend continues for first semester exams to be over by Thanksgiving, the College calendars will kill off those leagues by themselves because students will have to return to campus earlier in August.

The Appy League is being converted to a wooden bat collegiate summer league.

The official announcement will be made next Tuesday.

I am pissed as a Pirates fan who moved an hour and half away from Bristol (home of the BriBucs), but happy as a baseball fan that the league is not being totally shitcanned.



"The Appalachian League isn’t going away, it’s just going to have a different look.

Major League Baseball and USA Baseball will hold a joint video news conference Tuesday to announce a new format for the league. The plan calls for the nation’s top rising college freshmen and sophomores to take part in wooden-bat play.

MLB and USA Baseball will be in communication with the NCAA to ensure athlete eligibility requirements are met."



https://www.timesnews.net/sports/appy-league-to-return-as-collegiate-wooden-bat-league/article_192bd5f8-ff79-11ea-a717-53b2b52b90af.html

Terry, you should be able to get to Greensboro in under two hours to be able to see the Pirate's class A team play in a stadium that could easily pass for a AA or AAA facility.
I'll even buy you a Grasshopper's hat and several local beers (I am partial to Red Oak https://www.redoakbrewery.com/).

(09-25-2020 03:06 PM)RocketCitySooner Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 02:21 PM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:47 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:18 AM)JRsec Wrote:  When you look a the metrics there are 4 PAC 12 schools that add to the bottom line of the Big 12: Stanford, Washington, U.C.L.A., and U.S.C. Arizona Sate has he better program numbers and Arizona the better academics, but both are among the most subsidized of the P5. Utah's athletic department has run into some significant red ink issues. Snatching the L.A. schools would definitely help, but probably isn't likely as a pair. U.S.C. could make the jump, but U.C.L.A. as a California state school would probably have oodles of red tape preventing them. And I doubt U.S.C. will come by themselves, but it at least is possible.

So if I'm the Big 12 I would concentrate on U.S.C., test the waters on Stanford and keep B.Y.U. as a back up. I get the issues with B.Y.U. but they add content value, some national appeal, add to the attendance average, and are well funded.

I have to think if ESPN is going to bankroll a change like that, they would also find a new home for WVU (they would prefer ACC but would agree to SEC). In that case the Big XII adds an odd number of teams - either 3 or 5. USC and Stanford are no brainers, plus one of the Arizona schools most likely. I think Washington and Oregon are also offered (but not Wash. St. or Oregon St.). Utah and Colorado are secondary targets, IMO.

The PAC and the west coast are now toxic.
None of the Americans in the central part of the US will want to have anything to do with the pacific coast. GODlessness doesn't play well in Texas and Oklahoma.

Now toxic? Some of us have been saying for a couple of years that the California/West Coast schools are toxic. Glad to see more people are recognizing this. I only wish one very prolific poster on another board would recognize the toxicity of the west coast.

(08-30-2020 01:24 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:28 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 07:09 PM)DawgNBama Wrote:  

(08-29-2020 05:21 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(08-25-2020 10:04 AM)schmolik Wrote:  OK let's go really fantasy here. The SEC can take anyone they want from any conference (Notre Dame included). Who's on their wish list? Assume no baggage required (Texas won't require Texas Tech, Oklahoma won't require Oklahoma State, etc). How many teams would they take? How about Oklahoma, Texas, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame? If the SEC could get all six of them, would they still want to get Clemson and Florida State if they could get them too? Those are the three Big 12 properties in which ESPN would be most interested to have 100% of the rights.

They would go to 16 with Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida State.

Fixed it for you, Bullet. FSU is right on up there with Texas and Oklahoma. Clemson will only be taken if UofSC can't schedule Clemson OOC anymore.

ESPN wants to play happy family with the SEC and ACC. They will not permit the SEC to take from the ACC. Should Vanderbilt ever decide to become a partial or step down the SEC could easily move to 16 full members again with Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas with the Jayhawks coming in for a Kentucky rival. ESPN would be most interested in acquiring the rights to those three brands. So Bullet is correct the two top preferences are Texas and Oklahoma to 16. Vanderbilt is the only SEC school that might waffle on pay for play. So if they seek less of a role to play Kansas is the next choice, IMO.

For the time being JR ,(I really hate this new update to my phone!!)but once pay for play goes through, I'm thinking it's going to be like the Old Wild West when it comes to sports rights when the ACC's grant of rights expires. New content companies will challenge ESPN for sports rights and I am sure that the SEC will listen, whether or not the Mouse likes it. If the SEC grabs both Oklahoma & Texas, the Big Ten will calmly bide their time until the ACC GOR is up. If ESPN is wise, they will steer either Oklahoma or Texas to the Big Ten, and not let the SEC take both or ESPN will be looking at a Pandora's Box in the future!!

(09-28-2020 04:54 AM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 03:06 PM)RocketCitySooner Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 02:21 PM)XLance Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:47 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 11:18 AM)JRsec Wrote:  When you look a the metrics there are 4 PAC 12 schools that add to the bottom line of the Big 12: Stanford, Washington, U.C.L.A., and U.S.C. Arizona Sate has he better program numbers and Arizona the better academics, but both are among the most subsidized of the P5. Utah's athletic department has run into some significant red ink issues. Snatching the L.A. schools would definitely help, but probably isn't likely as a pair. U.S.C. could make the jump, but U.C.L.A. as a California state school would probably have oodles of red tape preventing them. And I doubt U.S.C. will come by themselves, but it at least is possible.

So if I'm the Big 12 I would concentrate on U.S.C., test the waters on Stanford and keep B.Y.U. as a back up. I get the issues with B.Y.U. but they add content value, some national appeal, add to the attendance average, and are well funded.

I have to think if ESPN is going to bankroll a change like that, they would also find a new home for WVU (they would prefer ACC but would agree to SEC). In that case the Big XII adds an odd number of teams - either 3 or 5. USC and Stanford are no brainers, plus one of the Arizona schools most likely. I think Washington and Oregon are also offered (but not Wash. St. or Oregon St.). Utah and Colorado are secondary targets, IMO.

The PAC and the west coast are now toxic.
None of the Americans in the central part of the US will want to have anything to do with the pacific coast. GODlessness doesn't play well in Texas and Oklahoma.

Now toxic? Some of us have been saying for a couple of years that the California/West Coast schools are toxic. Glad to see more people are recognizing this. I only wish one very prolific poster on another board would recognize the toxicity of the west coast.

The voice of reason from an Oklahoma fan living in Alabama.
The only PAC school I see moving east would be Colorado, rejoining the Big 12.
Southern Cal may make some noises, but to join a conference as a single entity two time zones away just won't work.
Plus.......USC chose Carol Folt as their President who is as woke as she could be. I don't see the folks that chose her to abandon their focus and adopt a Texas/Oklahoma mindset.

Yes the only way anything could/would take place would be if it were bankrolled by ESPN.