(02-17-2026 07:21 PM)Baldspot Wrote:  Kinda wish we had Dr Caboni from WKU back heading the conference’s executive committee during this time. Nothing against those currently there, I just really liked his leadership during some difficult times. He did a great job adding the right schools.

Who is there now ? Puhlease tell me no MT.

(02-17-2026 02:29 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 01:45 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  IF CUSA is truly interested in South Dakota State as a Football Only member...

It starts with respect. A copycat of the MAC/SAC deal won't work.

There have been some criticisms of that deal--nationally and in South Dakota.

Yes CUSA will need a fairly large amount of money--but there are other aspects.

1.) Just invite them as a permanent FB Only member--No "term". No--"we'll see how things look in four or five years".
Simply have a fixed, basic exit fee of 8(?) million dollars. A flat amount that doesn't change.

2.) No paying every penny of everybody's full travel to SDSU for every team. That is a little insulting. Just have a fixed set amount of $250,000 yearly sent to the conference--or deducted from revenues--that will be fairly dispersed to schools that travel there each year in a proportional amount.

3.) Media Money Share ascending method: Year 1--0%, 2-20%, 3-40%, 4-60%, 5 and years forward-80%.

4.) CFP money share--none till next CFP deal is negotiated--then full share.

5.) Entry Amount--negotiable-- but I suggest 10-12 Million with 4 Million up front and the rest paid over three years.

In short--it needs to look more like the NDSU deal--not the SAC deal.

Honestly, if we are going to consider SDSU as a football only, then I think we should bite the bullet and add Montana and Montana State as well. All three are well supported and have titles or champ game appearances in the last decade.

Toss in Tarleton all-sports as well.

Football:

East:
Liberty, Delaware, WKU, MTSU, Jax State, KSU, FIU

West:
Montana State, Montana, SDSU, Missouri State, SHSU, NMSU, Tarleton

Easy scheduling. Play everyone in your division, 3 home, 3 away. Play two cross division, 1 home, 1 away.

Charge 3 mil a year each over a 4 year period, GoR for that same time frame. 6 mil per year remaining in exit-fees. No CFP money until next contract. No media payout until next contract (unless ESPN/CBS offer an early reup). Media payout at 2/3rd for football only.

That would be 48 mil incoming over the next four years. 1.2m per existing program, per year.

I actually really like this. The west would have a Snow Belt trio, a Southwest trio, and Mo State. With the TV deal expiring in 2028, we're only asking them to give up a year of TV money, assuming they join in 2027. And I'm even willing to allow the western teams to take more money to cover their travel.

(02-17-2026 02:29 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 01:45 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  IF CUSA is truly interested in South Dakota State as a Football Only member...

It starts with respect. A copycat of the MAC/SAC deal won't work.

There have been some criticisms of that deal--nationally and in South Dakota.

Yes CUSA will need a fairly large amount of money--but there are other aspects.

1.) Just invite them as a permanent FB Only member--No "term". No--"we'll see how things look in four or five years".
Simply have a fixed, basic exit fee of 8(?) million dollars. A flat amount that doesn't change.

2.) No paying every penny of everybody's full travel to SDSU for every team. That is a little insulting. Just have a fixed set amount of $250,000 yearly sent to the conference--or deducted from revenues--that will be fairly dispersed to schools that travel there each year in a proportional amount.

3.) Media Money Share ascending method: Year 1--0%, 2-20%, 3-40%, 4-60%, 5 and years forward-80%.

4.) CFP money share--none till next CFP deal is negotiated--then full share.

5.) Entry Amount--negotiable-- but I suggest 10-12 Million with 4 Million up front and the rest paid over three years.

In short--it needs to look more like the NDSU deal--not the SAC deal.

Honestly, if we are going to consider SDSU as a football only, then I think we should bite the bullet and add Montana and Montana State as well. All three are well supported and have titles or champ game appearances in the last decade.

Toss in Tarleton all-sports as well.

Football:

East:
Liberty, Delaware, WKU, MTSU, Jax State, KSU, FIU

West:
Montana State, Montana, SDSU, Missouri State, SHSU, NMSU, Tarleton

Easy scheduling. Play everyone in your division, 3 home, 3 away. Play two cross division, 1 home, 1 away.

Charge 3 mil a year each over a 4 year period, GoR for that same time frame. 6 mil per year remaining in exit-fees. No CFP money until next contract. No media payout until next contract (unless ESPN/CBS offer an early reup). Media payout at 2/3rd for football only.

That would be 48 mil incoming over the next four years. 1.2m per existing program, per year.

I hate to say it -- I really, really do -- but I freaking love this plan.

And if we did it the right way -- looking to build a long-term coalition rather than making a quick buck -- it would absolutely, positively tick off the entirety of the Bison Nation. LOL.

It's not perfect. Distances in the West would be awful. I mean, sure, the Upper Plains schools are used to that. So is NMSU. But it'd be rough on Mo State and Sammy.

And the East wouldn't exactly be a regional bus conference. It's a long, long way to FIU and Delaware.

But weighed against all the potential pluses of this plan, I think it works. Besides, it's just football, right?

Here are the straight-line (not driving!) distance summarIes for comparison:

WEST

Two closest schools: Montana State and Montana (Bozeman to Missoula) — 163 miles

Two farthest schools: Montana and Sam Houston (Missoula, MT to Huntsville, TX) — 1486 miles

Median distance: 848 miles

Mean distance: 845 miles

EAST

Two closest schools: Jax State and Kennesaw State (Jacksonville, AL to Kennesaw, GA) — 69 miles

Two farthest schools: Delaware and FIU (Newark, DE to Miami, FL) — 998 miles

Median distance: 447 miles

Mean distance: 479 miles

(02-17-2026 11:15 PM)whupemall Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 02:29 PM)freshtop Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 01:45 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  IF CUSA is truly interested in South Dakota State as a Football Only member...

It starts with respect. A copycat of the MAC/SAC deal won't work.

There have been some criticisms of that deal--nationally and in South Dakota.

Yes CUSA will need a fairly large amount of money--but there are other aspects.

1.) Just invite them as a permanent FB Only member--No "term". No--"we'll see how things look in four or five years".
Simply have a fixed, basic exit fee of 8(?) million dollars. A flat amount that doesn't change.

2.) No paying every penny of everybody's full travel to SDSU for every team. That is a little insulting. Just have a fixed set amount of $250,000 yearly sent to the conference--or deducted from revenues--that will be fairly dispersed to schools that travel there each year in a proportional amount.

3.) Media Money Share ascending method: Year 1--0%, 2-20%, 3-40%, 4-60%, 5 and years forward-80%.

4.) CFP money share--none till next CFP deal is negotiated--then full share.

5.) Entry Amount--negotiable-- but I suggest 10-12 Million with 4 Million up front and the rest paid over three years.

In short--it needs to look more like the NDSU deal--not the SAC deal.

Honestly, if we are going to consider SDSU as a football only, then I think we should bite the bullet and add Montana and Montana State as well. All three are well supported and have titles or champ game appearances in the last decade.

Toss in Tarleton all-sports as well.

Football:

East:
Liberty, Delaware, WKU, MTSU, Jax State, KSU, FIU

West:
Montana State, Montana, SDSU, Missouri State, SHSU, NMSU, Tarleton

Easy scheduling. Play everyone in your division, 3 home, 3 away. Play two cross division, 1 home, 1 away.

Charge 3 mil a year each over a 4 year period, GoR for that same time frame. 6 mil per year remaining in exit-fees. No CFP money until next contract. No media payout until next contract (unless ESPN/CBS offer an early reup). Media payout at 2/3rd for football only.

That would be 48 mil incoming over the next four years. 1.2m per existing program, per year.

I hate to say it -- I really, really do -- but I freaking love this plan.

And if we did it the right way -- looking to build a long-term coalition rather than making a quick buck -- it would absolutely, positively tick off the entirety of the Bison Nation. LOL.

It's not perfect. Distances in the West would be awful. I mean, sure, the Upper Plains schools are used to that. So is NMSU. But it'd be rough on Mo State and Sammy.

And the East wouldn't exactly be a regional bus conference. It's a long, long way to FIU and Delaware.

But weighed against all the potential pluses of this plan, I think it works. Besides, it's just football, right?

Here are the straight-line (not driving!) distance summarIes for comparison:

WEST

Two closest schools: Montana State and Montana (Bozeman to Missoula) — 163 miles

Two farthest schools: Montana and Sam Houston (Missoula, MT to Huntsville, TX) — 1486 miles

Median distance: 848 miles

Mean distance: 845 miles

EAST

Two closest schools: Jax State and Kennesaw State (Jacksonville, AL to Kennesaw, GA) — 69 miles

Two farthest schools: Delaware and FIU (Newark, DE to Miami, FL) — 998 miles

Median distance: 447 miles

Mean distance: 479 miles

If Judy pulled this off, I would build the statue myself. Truly, a Conference of the United States of America.

(02-17-2026 08:08 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 07:21 PM)Baldspot Wrote:  Kinda wish we had Dr Caboni from WKU back heading the conference’s executive committee during this time. Nothing against those currently there, I just really liked his leadership during some difficult times. He did a great job adding the right schools.

Who is there now ? Puhlease tell me no MT.

Dr Alisa White SHSU served as vice chair when Dr Caboni was chair. She is now chair of the Board of Directors. Dr Don Killingsworth Jax St is now vice chair.

Other executive committee members are Dr Tim Caboni WKU, Dr Sidney McPhee MTSU and Dr Kenneth Jessel, FIU.

(02-15-2026 12:05 AM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  CUSA turned down a Deal with them last month.

Why?

It seems like Sacramento State would bring a lot of publicity to CUSA, maybe not all good but publicity is publicity

(02-18-2026 02:21 PM)caribbeanhen Wrote:  

(02-15-2026 12:05 AM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  CUSA turned down a Deal with them last month.

Why?

It seems like Sacramento State would bring a lot of publicity to CUSA, maybe not all good but publicity is publicity

You must have been too busy to keep up. Presidents turned it down in January--have said not going further West. Also know that SAC is headed for the MW.

CUSA just didn't want to (or HAVE to) take the Gamble. Several MAC schools hurting for Revenue even more than CUSA.

SAC only giving 6M upfront. Some negative publicity is starting to increase in the media.

**********************************************************

Additionally--none of us know what is going on behind the scenes. CUSA may have better plans which would only be complicated by a SAC Deal.

Best to look at these decisions Holistically.

(02-18-2026 03:50 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(02-18-2026 02:21 PM)caribbeanhen Wrote:  

(02-15-2026 12:05 AM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  CUSA turned down a Deal with them last month.

Why?

It seems like Sacramento State would bring a lot of publicity to CUSA, maybe not all good but publicity is publicity

You must have been too busy to keep up. Presidents turned it down in January--have said not going further West. Also know that SAC is headed for the MW.

CUSA just didn't want to (or HAVE to) take the Gamble. Several MAC schools hurting for Revenue even more than CUSA.

SAC only giving 6M upfront. If they leave early MAC will get a Lot less than the 18M figure. Some negative publicity is starting to increase in the media.

**********************************************************

Additionally--none of us know what is going on behind the scenes. CUSA may have better plans which would only be complicated by a SAC Deal.

Best to look at these decisions Holistically.

CUSA didn’t wanna take the gamble?

What do they have to lose besides 5 million bucks

CUSA, in these crazy times, should welcome a team from California and give the conference coast to coast publicity in a major media market

I’m just playing devils advocate with you in case you didn’t realize it, and you are correct, I don’t follow the conferences Rubiks cube very closely, but just reading through here it appears your opinion is CUSA isn’t necessarily on solid footing. Do I have that right?

Taking Sacramento State could’ve provided some temporary shoring for the conference until the Presidents reveal what they have planned

(02-19-2026 09:04 AM)caribbeanhen Wrote:  

(02-18-2026 03:50 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(02-18-2026 02:21 PM)caribbeanhen Wrote:  

(02-15-2026 12:05 AM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  CUSA turned down a Deal with them last month.

Why?

It seems like Sacramento State would bring a lot of publicity to CUSA, maybe not all good but publicity is publicity

You must have been too busy to keep up. Presidents turned it down in January--have said not going further West. Also know that SAC is headed for the MW.

CUSA just didn't want to (or HAVE to) take the Gamble. Several MAC schools hurting for Revenue even more than CUSA.

SAC only giving 6M upfront. If they leave early MAC will get a Lot less than the 18M figure. Some negative publicity is starting to increase in the media.

**********************************************************

Additionally--none of us know what is going on behind the scenes. CUSA may have better plans which would only be complicated by a SAC Deal.

Best to look at these decisions Holistically.

CUSA didn’t wanna take the gamble?

What do they have to lose besides 5 million bucks

CUSA, in these crazy times, should welcome a team from California and give the conference coast to coast publicity in a major media market

I’m just playing devils advocate with you in case you didn’t realize it, and you are correct, I don’t follow the conferences Rubiks cube very closely, but just reading through here it appears your opinion is CUSA isn’t necessarily on solid footing. Do I have that right?

Taking Sacramento State could’ve provided some temporary shoring for the conference until the Presidents reveal what they have planned

It depends on what the vision for the future of the conference is.

When the SBC was gutted in 2012/13 they rebuilt for long term stability over short term gains and it has served them well.

If CUSA wants to ditch the stepping stone stigma then we have to start saying no to programs like Sac State that would only want to use the league for FBS status.

Carribbeanhen---"CUSA, in these crazy times, should welcome a team from California and give the conference coast to coast publicity in a major media market."

CUSA---Presidents did not want to go further WEST. That's THEIR view/decision--agree or not.

Carribbeanhen--"Taking Sacramento State could’ve provided some temporary shoring[up] for the conference until the Presidents reveal what they have planned."

CUSA---Feels they Don't need "shoring up". Long term holistic strategy.

My thought--CUSA is not in a position where we are Forced to add---as we have been many times in the past.

(02-18-2026 06:06 AM)Baldspot Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 08:08 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 07:21 PM)Baldspot Wrote:  Kinda wish we had Dr Caboni from WKU back heading the conference’s executive committee during this time. Nothing against those currently there, I just really liked his leadership during some difficult times. He did a great job adding the right schools.

Who is there now ? Puhlease tell me no MT.

Dr Alisa White SHSU served as vice chair when Dr Caboni was chair. She is now chair of the Board of Directors. Dr Don Killingsworth Jax St is now vice chair.

Other executive committee members are Dr Tim Caboni WKU, Dr Sidney McPhee MTSU and Dr Kenneth Jessel, FIU.

Do these positions rotate so every school’s president gets a turn as chair?

(02-19-2026 03:54 PM)AssKickingChicken Wrote:  

(02-18-2026 06:06 AM)Baldspot Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 08:08 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 07:21 PM)Baldspot Wrote:  Kinda wish we had Dr Caboni from WKU back heading the conference’s executive committee during this time. Nothing against those currently there, I just really liked his leadership during some difficult times. He did a great job adding the right schools.

Who is there now ? Puhlease tell me no MT.

Dr Alisa White SHSU served as vice chair when Dr Caboni was chair. She is now chair of the Board of Directors. Dr Don Killingsworth Jax St is now vice chair.

Other executive committee members are Dr Tim Caboni WKU, Dr Sidney McPhee MTSU and Dr Kenneth Jessel, FIU.

Do these positions rotate so every school’s president gets a turn as chair?

Positions voted on by Presidents. Not necessarily a "full" rotation.

(02-19-2026 07:52 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(02-19-2026 03:54 PM)AssKickingChicken Wrote:  

(02-18-2026 06:06 AM)Baldspot Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 08:08 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 07:21 PM)Baldspot Wrote:  Kinda wish we had Dr Caboni from WKU back heading the conference’s executive committee during this time. Nothing against those currently there, I just really liked his leadership during some difficult times. He did a great job adding the right schools.

Who is there now ? Puhlease tell me no MT.

Dr Alisa White SHSU served as vice chair when Dr Caboni was chair. She is now chair of the Board of Directors. Dr Don Killingsworth Jax St is now vice chair.

Other executive committee members are Dr Tim Caboni WKU, Dr Sidney McPhee MTSU and Dr Kenneth Jessel, FIU.

Do these positions rotate so every school’s president gets a turn as chair?

Positions voted on by Presidents. Not necessarily a "full" rotation.

With the incompetence being pointed out by the fans from MT about McPhee, it’s not very encouraging to see him on the executive committee. How often do these positions get voted on?

(02-20-2026 09:35 AM)3DogNight Wrote:  

(02-19-2026 07:52 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(02-19-2026 03:54 PM)AssKickingChicken Wrote:  

(02-18-2026 06:06 AM)Baldspot Wrote:  

(02-17-2026 08:08 PM)KAjunRaider Wrote:  Who is there now ? Puhlease tell me no MT.

Dr Alisa White SHSU served as vice chair when Dr Caboni was chair. She is now chair of the Board of Directors. Dr Don Killingsworth Jax St is now vice chair.

Other executive committee members are Dr Tim Caboni WKU, Dr Sidney McPhee MTSU and Dr Kenneth Jessel, FIU.

Do these positions rotate so every school’s president gets a turn as chair?

Positions voted on by Presidents. Not necessarily a "full" rotation.

With the incompetence being pointed out by the fans from MT about McPhee, it’s not very encouraging to see him on the executive committee. How often do these positions get voted on?

Good news is that he's gone on December 10th of this year, unless something unforeseen happens (lawsuit by McPhee against MT to keep himself in power, etc)

All figures are from fiscal year 2024>>sources--Hero Sports and Knight-Newhouse.

Started with the Top 25 Football budgets in FCS. https://herosports.com/fcs-football-bigg...gets-bzbz/

--added in Illinois St. and deleted schools headed to FBS

--deleted West Coast, Northeast schools, HBCU's, Idaho, Lamar

Here are the ONLY SCHOOLS remaining--these TEN.


School-FB Budget-Millions--() Total Budget

South Dakota State-$9.6M (29M)*
Montana State------$8.8 (28)*
Montana-------------$8.8 (29)*
William & Mary------$8.8 (36)***
Tarleton State-------$8.6 (28)
Northern Arizona----$6.3 (28)***
North Dakota--------$6.3 (37)*
SFA-------------------$6.0 (29)
Eastern Kentucky----$6.0 (25)
~ Illinois St.----------$4.8 (32)*


***Shown absolutely ZERO interest in FBS, retained in the list for comparison purposes.

* FB Only possibilities

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

It is VERY Likely that if CUSA adds it WILL be from those listed above.

A lot more over on the CUSA Realignment Board.

https://csnbbs.com/thread-971871-post-20...id20567716

(02-18-2026 03:50 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(02-18-2026 02:21 PM)caribbeanhen Wrote:  

(02-15-2026 12:05 AM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  CUSA turned down a Deal with them last month.

Why?

It seems like Sacramento State would bring a lot of publicity to CUSA, maybe not all good but publicity is publicity

You must have been too busy to keep up. Presidents turned it down in January--have said not going further West. Also know that SAC is headed for the MW.

CUSA just didn't want to (or HAVE to) take the Gamble. Several MAC schools hurting for Revenue even more than CUSA.

SAC only giving 6M upfront. If they leave early MAC will get a Lot less than the 18M figure. Some negative publicity is starting to increase in the media.

**********************************************************

Additionally--none of us know what is going on behind the scenes. CUSA may have better plans which would only be complicated by a SAC Deal.

Best to look at these decisions Holistically.

Not true, Tops. The $18 million is the agreed upon contractual amount for the entry fee. While $6 million is to be paid this year, Sac State can pay an even $3 million for each of the four remaining years (2027-30) of the five-year contract term.

Each of the 12 MAC member institutions will receive a $500,000 distribution this year and $250,000 each of the next four years for $1.5 million total for each school. This of course is separate from the travel reimbursement Sac State has also agreed to pay for each of the four MAC schools that will be playing at Sac State over the next five seasons.

Thanks BestWestern--will go back and correct. But what if they leave early?

Original Post--that portion deleted.

(02-20-2026 02:21 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  Thanks BestWestern--will go back and correct. But what if they leave early?

Original Post--that portion deleted.

Is the amount after the first year paid out partially in "no MAC distribution" in the following years ?

MAC Attack??

New thread on the CUSA Realignment Board (sub forum).

Two sources--Four CUSA Schools mentioned as MAC Candidates.

Link to CUSA Thread https://csnbbs.com/thread-1025389-post-2...id20572015

(02-23-2026 06:57 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  MAC Attack??

New thread on the CUSA Realignment Board (sub forum).

Two sources--Four CUSA Schools mentioned as MAC Candidates.

Link to CUSA Thread https://csnbbs.com/thread-1025389-post-2...id20572015

It is hard for me to envision any scenario where Liberty would want to go to the MAC. A worse basketball, baseball, and softball conference. Cold weather. Now if WKU, MTSU, and Delaware said they were leaving, then maybe I could see it. Kennesaw St and Jax St are old Liberty rivals from the FCS days. I think it is just as likely we take some MAC schools as vice versa.