Is there any truth to the rumor that UTA and UALR have been asked to either sponsor football or start looking for a new conference?

They’re being highly encouraged to find a new conference

LR did a feasibility study 2 years ago and deemed they couldn’t sustain football ( even at the FCs level).

Wouldn’t surprise me someday down the line we see UTA start football back up but it won’t be in the belt

Where will they go?

Their obvious top choice would be the MVC. A spot may open up if Missouri State does indeed go to CUSA, but then again, they may want someone like Murray State.

They'll probably look at, or be looked at by, the SLC, the OVC, the WAC, the Summit, maybe the Horizon, and CUSA.

(10-25-2021 08:27 PM)Michael in Raleigh Wrote:  Where will they go?

Their obvious top choice would be the MVC. A spot may open up if Missouri State does indeed go to CUSA, but then again, they may want someone like Murray State.

They'll probably look at, or be looked at by, the SLC, the OVC, the WAC, the Summit, maybe the Horizon, and CUSA.

I know Matt brown has reported MVC was interested in getting a presence in Texas but I just don’t see it.

LR should eye the ASun. Most importantly, gives them an in state opponent in UCA and still relatively geographic friendly opponents

If you’re a Trojan and maverick fan, I think you’re best bet would be joining a rebuilding CUSA though

Not sure what exit fee a non basketball school would have to pay, but I’d vote for it to be waved for them to find a better home.

(10-25-2021 10:20 PM)Usajags Wrote:  Not sure what exit fee a non basketball school would have to pay, but I’d vote for it to be waved for them to find a better home.

The gist is we’ll waive their exit fees (I know some of suggested we would front some of their entrance fee costs to wherever they may go)

(10-25-2021 10:45 PM)RamblinRedWolf Wrote:  

(10-25-2021 10:20 PM)Usajags Wrote:  Not sure what exit fee a non basketball school would have to pay, but I’d vote for it to be waved for them to find a better home.

The gist is we’ll waive their exit fees (I know some of suggested we would front some of their entrance fee costs to wherever they may go)

Obviously exit fees would be waived if we are "pushed" out. Haven't heard anything about fronting entry fees, although that would be nice. Although, I can't imagine CUSA demanding entry fees, considering their current situation, if that is where we end up going.

(10-25-2021 06:35 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  Is there any truth to the rumor that UTA and UALR have been asked to either sponsor football or start looking for a new conference?

They've been told to move on. Funny that they might wind up in CUSA.

Yeah, unfortunately their chance to start/restart football and stay in the SBC has passed. Time to move along.

From a selfish perspective I’m glad neither tried to restart football in the SB. Upstart programs always struggle and that would’ve completely stunted the trajectory of the SB. It would’ve brought down averages, weakened all our strength of schedule. Just wasn’t the right thing for the conference and by politely showing them the door it says “we really don’t want you waiting for SB to prosper just to restart and weigh us down”.

Sponsoring FBS football is not on the table for those two. There is nothing official about them being encouraged to find another conference. All speculation at this point - although there is good logic behind the idea. We will just have to wait and see.