(09-01-2020 08:13 AM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(09-01-2020 07:25 AM)SMUstang Wrote:  

(09-01-2020 07:08 AM)goodknightfl Wrote:  

(08-31-2020 03:45 PM)SMUstang Wrote:  

(08-31-2020 03:12 PM)Pony94 Wrote:  

I agree they probably are, based on the events of this year, the new MWC TV contract, and ESPN wanting their property back, and the MWC cancelling the football season, and Boise potentially losing up to $20M in the athletics department, and Boise’ eliminating sports and positioning themselves with respect to putting their olympic sports into the Big Sky conference. I don’t know the rules, but cancelling the season for the MWC may have an impact on “Exit Fees”. This move therefore could come sooner rather than later.

The only way that AAC should consider Boise is if ESPN ponies up enough $$ that current members get a bump. 500k to 800k per school per year should work.
I doubt that ESPN wants Boise at 10+mil per year.

That would be great if they (ESPN) would, but I don't look for that to happen.

They wouldn't have to pay Boise $10+ million/year for FB-only. The amount they'd pay wouldn't be much more than they will be paying for the all-sports AAC members under the new contract.

If ESPN is willing to pay ECU ~ $7 million/year for all their sports for the next 12 years, you can bet that they would be willing to pay $8 to $10 million/year for Boise FB. Not only that, but every AAC school would be able to bargain for significant increases next time they negotiate their media contract.

What would ESPN get in return every year?

Boise vs. Memphis $$$

Boise vs. UCF $$$

Boise vs. Navy $$$

Boise vs. Cincy $$$

Boise vs. Houston $$

Boise vs. Temple $$

Boise vs. SMU $$

Boise vs. Tulane $

Boise vs. USF $

etc.

All of these are located in major metropolitan areas, ranging from 3 to 6+ million in population - - with the exception of Navy, which may have an international following in the tens of millions, including large followings in San Diego, Baltimore, D.C., Norfolk, etc., etc..

Every one of those games will generate audiences over ~1 - 3 million, if they're played in prime time, which many/most of them would be.

After adding Boise and a top BB school for balance, the AAC would only need to add another major FB and BB school in order to jump up another level. At that point, all the AAC schools would probably start raking in close to $10 million/year in total media income from all sources - - and that's before they negotiate their next 12-year package.

At that point, around 2032, the enhanced 13 or 14-team AAC will be able to demand a media package approaching that of the lower-tier P5 conferences ($20 to $25 million per year per team), and ESPN will no doubt make the NCAA an offer that they can't refuse to elevate the enhanced AAC to full Power and Autonomy status, with all of the associated perks and privileges.

That's how you build a major conference, one step at a time.