We need them more than they need us.
This is sad, but true. They know it, we know it.
But if we piss them off, they will kick us to the curb. And both parties know this.
I still think a split will happen sometime in the next decade. If the cases don't get settled and go to trial, it could be sooner. But when it does, we will still have a place in a fine group. Not all current P4 schools will make it and will be lumped in with us.
Even if a split doesn't happen, I still think we will have a seat at the table, just a small one as we do now. One CFP spot, probably with an even smaller money piece. I used to think the G5 should just split themselves, but I no longer think that. We all are FBS and should fight.
Me personally, I would get all the G5 conferences & schools together and revamp though. Possibly restructure based on geography to save costs and kill one of the conferences.
It is stupid to have 1800 miles between teams in a G5. That is major money spent. From Army to TX St or Liberty to NMSU.
I'd make the current 64 G5 teams 4 conferences, each with 16 teams with 4 pods each.
8 conf games/4 out
3 vs your pod
4 vs another pod that rotates each year
8th game is pod 1 vs pod 2 / pod 3 vs pod 4
Those champs play for conf champ.
Then have a 4 team G5 "play-in" where the champ gets the CFP spot.
It would create more revenue with each conference having its own "playoff" and then the G4s having a "play-in" all while still not voluntarily shutting ourselves out. People would watch to see who gets in.
The G5 peeps have got to think outside the box to create their own revenue sources and to grow their brand. Remember, we are only contractually guaranteed a CFP spot this year and next. After that, nothing is finalized but a TV deal.