Fire up the rumor mill: Missouri St to CUSA???

[blueraiderJT]

So the AAC news is supposedly forcing the ACC to move faster so it could be a bidding war. While none of this is making sense, the ACC still has more money even with the horrible media contract lock down than either the MWC or AAC does. If the ACC takes all 4, it's a wrap. From what I'm seeing, the ACC is leaning that way but it can all change by dinner. LOL. I'm leaning towards a 2/2 split between the AAC and the ACC. Either scenario locks down the "us to the AAC option".

Massaro should call WKU and they should book calls with everyone together including the MAC and the leftover PAC12 dudes. Everyone. LOL. He probably won't do any of that which is the issue. The MAC offers stability and is a decent BB conference. Their tourney looked better than ours. LOL. A lot better. The conference is ran better and no OVC schools. We should have bolted in 21. I stand behind that. SBC is still pissed and we won't be an option and the AAC took friggin RICE and UNCC over us. I say screw it and call em.

 

[blueraiderJT]

I would be pleasantly shocked if the ACC allowed Memphis a seat at their table.

But I’m afraid the AAC is the best they can do at this point. They waited too late and for too many years to finally put an emphasis on Tiger Football while the other Major Independents and Metro Conf. foes we played moved into the big boy league. (Va. Tech, Louisville, Fla. St., Ga. Tech, S. Carolina.)

Memphis is a far better option than any of the 4 PAC12 schools IMO. The BB piece alone fits with the ACC. The travel footprint is better than the Pacific NW. LOL. The only reason the Pac12 teams are even being considered at all is because of the P5 status they've had. The ACC has no other options of adding p5's besides this. If they don't add now, FSU and Clemson will torpeedo them when they bolt.

 

[blueraiderJT]

LOL!!!

 

[MT01]

I've generally been able to hop on these sites and tell you exactly what was going to happen sans a single deviation here and there or an anomaly. But I genuinely don't know what's going to happen to us now. That maybe should concern you.

I fear wiley's point above about being skipped over on this last move was definitely the wrong time to be left behind. I didn't expect the PAC 12's end to come so abruptly. If the four go to the ACC or even two to the ACC and two to the MWC there's no further trickle down. And then we must wait for the implosion of the ACC (which is now inevitable) and hope we're better positioned and better prepared.

Part of our problem is that we have an AD who has always thought we're just going back to what was I-AA. Therefore, very little effort to focus on positioning us for the future. That is why we are where we are. He may be right. But if he's not he and McPhee have screwed us royally.

 

[MTTim]

LOL!!!

View embedded media

Another reason why this guy will be out of a job soon.

 

[MidTennMtneer]

More ACC rumors.

Stanford and Cal want ACC, OSU and Wazzu do not. So they may be split with the two northern going AAC or MWC.

Along with that rumor is that the ACC is fully aware FSU and a few others may leave (especially if the private equity thing works $ wise) and the ACC doesn't want a PAC repeat. So they may add more from AAC as a preemptive strike so to speak.

And contrary to belief, adding schools will not open the GOR for the ACC.

Another rumor is that the ACC is looking at joining with the B12 in a combined media deal for next rounds.

 

[mtfblue]

My first thought was who is leaving the AAC for the SBC. So I did some research.

SBC signed a new deal in '22. More $ but no extension. So their deal is up for renewal in '31, before the AAC. SBC schools currently are at almost $2m!

AAC is currently at $7m for legacy schools, $3.5m for the 6 new additions. We all know the new deal won't be $7m, so maybe there is a chance the SBC can pull. SBC commissioner Gill stated he is open to a 15th, 16th, 20th school. Whatever is in their footprint and brings value.

FYI
* MWC $4m (final deal of Boise $6m, Hawaii $2m) '26 CBS/FOX
* MAC $650k. '26 ESPN
* SBC $2m '31 ESPN
* AAC $7m ($7m legacy, $3.5m 6 new) '32 ESPN
* CUSA $800k '32 CBS/ESPN

View embedded media

i saw a yahoo article from this year that says the SBC is at 7 million a year/divided by 14 that's 500k per school and CUSA is 611k per school. did i miss something? click

 

[mtfblue]

Vote a vote for Autonomy 4 will happen next week. So positioning to pay higher fees is not. They aren't going to worry about 6 AQ's either. It will be TOP 12 and that's it. So you want to be in a shitter league like Boise use to be in the WAC and run the table. I've heard that BIG10 to 10 conference games, SEC to 9, so less paychecks available. You better build the base and get regional or its a wrap anyways.

 

[mtfblue]

I get why people say that, but I hate this mentality. I despise the whole P5/G5 moniker that was essentially created by the media. As long as we are in an FBS conference, we are the same. Is there a $/support/talent difference, absolutely. But it's like those alumni that went to MT but pull for UT because it's a "real school". I don't agree at all.

Especially with the new playoff. Do I see us with Stock and the support we have making it, no. But is it possible for a school like us now, when it was nearly impossible with four teams, yes.

The AAC isn't what it was. It's next media deal will show that. No way in heck they are getting $7m a yr next round. The smaller $ conferences are very close to each other now. Any of the five are capable of grabbing the 6th playoff spot (some years the 5th too especially depending on what happens with the P12) with the right system in place. We just don't have that, right now. And won't until certain specific people are no longer in place.

they aren't going to leave that 6th spot for a G5, they will get rid of the AQ. Just top 12

 

[MidTennMtneer]

i saw a yahoo article from this year that says the SBC is at 7 million a year/divided by 14 that's 500k per school and CUSA is 611k per school. did i miss something? click

This one says $1.2

SBJ College: The Big Ten's billions?

www.sportsbusinessjournal.com

This one says $2. So IDK.

METTLEN: Hints Suggest SBC Has American In Crosshairs

As college football media days roll on across the country, some conference commissioners have made clear threats aimed at rival leagues. The Sun Belt’s Keith Gill didn’t do that when

www.dnronline.com

Vote a vote for Autonomy 4 will happen next week. So positioning to pay higher fees is not. They aren't going to worry about 6 AQ's either. It will be TOP 12 and that's it. So you want to be in a shitter league like Boise use to be in the WAC and run the table. I've heard that BIG10 to 10 conference games, SEC to 9, so less paychecks available. You better build the base and get regional or its a wrap anyways.

I just saw that. SOB that pisses me off. I get why but FBS is FBS in my mind. But I know $ wise and perception wise it isn't. If that does happen, then the G5 need to use the next two years and have their own division, champ, and playoff media deal to start '26. The G5 (except AAC) are much more regionalized anyway.

they aren't going to leave that 6th spot for a G5, they will get rid of the AQ. Just top 12

As said above, next two years is it. I hate that term AQ as right now it's top 6 champs regardless of conference but sadly the dingys would make sure the non autonomy are ranked last so the top 4 are AQ.

 

[ewglenn]

If we get regulated to a second tier I would hope we could join the MAC with WKU, Jacksonville St and Kennesaw St. That would allow us to be in a regional conference and would bring some southern flare to the MAC. It would look like this:

South-
MTSU
WKU
JSU
KSU
Ohio
Miami
Ball St
NIU

North-
CMU
WMU
EMU
Buffalo
Toledo
Bowling Green
Akron
Kent St

 

[Sommy]

If we get regulated to a second tier I would hope we could join the MAC with WKU, Jacksonville St and Kennesaw St. That would allow us to be in a regional conference and would bring some southern flare to the MAC. It would look like this:

South-
MTSU
WKU
JSU
KSU
Ohio
Miami
Ball St
NIU

North-
CMU
WMU
EMU
Buffalo
Toledo
Bowling Green
Akron
Kent St

I see what you are trying to do but that just feels like a death sentence. Relegated to be a bottom feeder.

 

[RaiderDoug]

I see what you are trying to do but that just feels like a death sentence. Relegated to be a bottom feeder.

I don't see how that's any different than what faces us in CUSA.

At least that's a conference we should be able to win. Whatever you get when you win it, who knows (2 for 1 at the Frisch Big Boy in Harrison Ohio)?

 

[mtfblue]

Now SMU is getting some love from the ACC....SDSU MESS. Along with Cal and Stanford

 

[MT01]

If the price is right (adding to ACC's TV revenue), SMU may be ACC bound. I give this a 20% chance.

Sun Belt wants to expand...

But with ECU. They think they have enough clout now to target the AAC believing it is vulnerable.

 

[Sommy]

If the price is right (adding to ACC's TV revenue), SMU may be ACC bound. I give this a 20% chance.

Sun Belt wants to expand...

But with ECU. They think they have enough clout now to target the AAC believing it is vulnerable.

I think you are right. AAC and SBC will probably fight out to poach teams from eachother. It feels like AAC has some bigger "brands", so they might win out. One of those two needs to be proactive and build out their conference as the next best behind the new big 3 (BIG, SEC, ACC).

Now would be the time to firmly establish yourself as the 4th best conference. WKU and MT would be easy additions since their buyouts are probably easier to make. Throw us a lifeline !

 

[MidTennMtneer]

SMU is gone. They are willing to forego up to 5 years of payouts. Geez the $ that place has.

I still believe the G5 (gotta come up with a better name) should split off. Part of me says by '26, part of me says wait till the ACC falls apart.
I just feel it'll be P4 in the '26 redo and they make it 5 champs for this round. Do a five year deal and come '31 the ACC will implode, it'll be P3 and there won't be a spot for anyone but them.

If there was a G5 playoff with say 8 teams, 5 champs and 3 at large with top two getting a bye, I honestly think we would have a chance at making it some years.

 

[SpaceRaider]

Pac-12 Softball Players Rip Conference Realignment, Raise Concerns About Mental Health

With conference realignment changing the landscape of college sports, Pac-12 athletes are upset with the toll it will take on their careers.

www.outkick.com

 

[JohnDavidBlue]

Our admin doing anything.

Massaro needs to be on the phone doing ANYTHING he can to get a spot in the AAC. We have to run from CUSA as quickly as possible.

 

[mtfblue]

well they are already calling for playoff change...

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey wants to re-examine CFP format amid realignment: 'Circumstances have changed'

CFP expansion was approved well before the recent mass exodus from the Pac-12

www.cbssports.com

 

[crposton]

SMU is gone. They are willing to forego up to 5 years of payouts. Geez the $ that place has.

I still believe the G5 (gotta come up with a better name) should split off. Part of me says by '26, part of me says wait till the ACC falls apart.
I just feel it'll be P4 in the '26 redo and they make it 5 champs for this round. Do a five year deal and come '31 the ACC will implode, it'll be P3 and there won't be a spot for anyone but them.

If there was a G5 playoff with say 8 teams, 5 champs and 3 at large with top two getting a bye, I honestly think we would have a chance at making it some years.

I read they have $200 million committed from donors over next 5 years, so they don’t need media money. That is why they can offer that and get long-term “stability”.

 

[TRUEBLUE73]

Massaro said that we are in the right spot. He would not want MT to be in a Power 5 conference.

 

[SpaceRaider]

Massaro said that we are in the right spot. He would not want MT to be in a Power 5 conference.

Because that would require commitment and effort.

 

[DisgruntledAlum]

Massaro said that we are in the right spot. He would not want MT to be in a Power 5 conference.

Why would he say something like that?

 

[Sommy]

Massaro said that we are in the right spot. He would not want MT to be in a Power 5 conference.

Was this a recent comment? The right spot to get a call to move on, or right spot meaning the worst conference in college athletics? We can’t stay here or it’s a death sentence. We have to get our S together and make calls now!

 

[TRUEBLUE73]

Was this a recent comment? The right spot to get a call to move on, or right spot meaning the worst conference in college athletics? We can’t stay here or it’s a death sentence. We have to get our S together and make calls now!

He said it on the talk at practice with the guys with 93.3FM or 102.5 media day

 

[blueraiderJT]

I read they have $200 million committed from donors over next 5 years, so they don’t need media money. That is why they can offer that and get long-term “stability”.

The ACC presidents are not unified about Cal and Stanford. Norte Dame wants the ACC to get them but they are not a full member. MWC have already extended unofficial offers to Oregon St. and Washington St. but they know the AAC is putting together their offer and they also know that Oregon St. and Wash St. are gonna play out their options.

 

[sWiley]

I hope Massaro is in the ear of the AAC and SBC and telling them that adding MT & WKU proactively would be a great decision. He could maybe even play them against each other. It's much better to add schools and be proactive versus trying to clean up a mess after a bunch of schools leave. I've never understood why everyone sits around and waits for everyone else to make a move. That approach has ended up costing the Pac12 its existence. If you look at the conferences that have proactively added members they are all in the best positions. Surely Massaro is telling them this and playing this card....surely....

Adding MT & WKU to SBC or AAC makes sense too. We are regional with most schools in each conference. We have one of the hottest and most growing areas in the country, and nice new facilities are on the way. Also, we will always just be a decent competitor in athletics so you don't have to worry about us stealing championships from current members, but we'll never be bottom feeders and embarrass the conference either. We keep it respectable, and always run a clean program.

Seems like a near perfect addition if you ask me. What's the hold up ?

 

[TRUEBLUE73]

He wants us to be group of 5 for ever. Makes sense to me.

 

[MidTennMtneer]

So it looks like this isn't all done yet. The PAC hired Oliver Luck as a consultant. Rumors are it is to develop a continuation plan. I knew the by-laws gave conferences two years to get back up to 8 members but wasn't sure if it applied when schools left. Yahoo has confirmed it does. So that MWC buyout drops to $17m if teams leave for '25.

Talk to AAC schools for '24. Make an offer to Apple at say $15m plus incentives. Best MWC schools come in '25.

This isn't over yet.

 

[sWiley]

I never thought the Pac12 would disband. Seems like a very foolish thing to do IMO, but they've encountered one blunder after another with their boneheaded commish.

All they have to do is sit tight and cherry pick MWC and AAC schools. They have plenty of time and I'm sure they can offer better TV money than the current AAC and MWC contracts. Apple has already expressed continued interest despite all the defections. Won't be $20 million but they can probably get between 10-15

 

[AustinLewis]

I never thought the Pac12 would disband. Seems like a very foolish thing to do IMO, but they've encountered one blunder after another with their boneheaded commish.

All they have to do is sit tight and cherry pick MWC and AAC schools. They have plenty of time and I'm sure they can offer better TV money than the current AAC and MWC contracts. Apple has already expressed continued interest despite all the defections. Won't be $20 million but they can probably get between 10-15

This is ALL about ESPN trying to figure out how to acquire specific CFB markets & Apple trying to figure out how to get into sports broadcasting.

Apple TV+ movie / tv shows likely won't be enough to drive subscriber growth / revenue but sports will. It's really the only consistent thing folks watch live now (ad $$$).

Apple has $200 billion+ cash / investments on hand that it CAN use to invest in athletic broadcasting (for perspective, ABC / Disney market cap is $165 billion)

 

[sWiley]

Apple is interested but who knows what they are willing to invest. I would love to see Apple become a serious media competitor to ESPN in college sports. Sick and tired of the ESPN monopoly on college sports. It has helped ruin college athletics IMO.

It's absolutely pathetic that Cal and Stanford have basically been abandoned by their peers in seek of nothing but more money. Two of the most storied and prestigious academics institutions not just in our country, but the entire world. And they've been abandoned by their peers in search of you guessed it, more money. All those departing schools would rather have their athletes travel across the country for a little more money instead of competing regionally and being associated with some of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. They have no shame. I'm surprised they are not standing on the street corner begging.

It is disgusting, and it is shocking that those departing schools are not being shamed more for their actions and that more people are not talking about this. There should at least be a discussion being had about it. It is reprehensible and goes against what college athletics should be about. STUDENT-athletes. ESPN is in total control though. Sickening.

The entire situation is pathetic in my eyes and such a turn off. I would be completely OK with everyone boycotting the sport and letting it die...and then maybe one day it can come back and be what it should. Student-athletes competing for their alma maters for 4-5 years in a regional, sensical conference....having some pride and tradition for their school, and graduating with a great degree in the process. Wouldn't that be cool?

You can be damn sure ESPN/Disney will never see another dime from me, and I hope many of you will withhold your money as well. There's PLENTY of free streaming sites out there where you can watch every sporting event on the planet 24/7 for free. Just takes a little work and getting used to, but once you learn how to work them, it's easy and you can literally watch any game anywhere for free 24/7. TV shows and movies, too. I can help show you how it works too if you're interested. Don't give these money sucking losers another dime.

 

[TRUEBLUE73]

How do you really feel?

 

[Sommy]

. There's PLENTY of free streaming sites out there where you can watch every sporting event on the planet 24/7 for free. Just takes a little work and getting used to, but once you learn how to work them, it's easy and you can literally watch any game anywhere for free 24/7. TV shows and movies, too. I can help show you how it works too if you're interested. Don't give these money sucking losers another dime.

I think you sent me a website before, but it wasn’t working or I couldn’t find a game. Please hook me up with the details on how to do this. You can send a direct message if that’s better.

 

[sWiley]

www.vipleague.lc

Never, ever install anything that it tells you that you need (Flash plugin, updated this or that)...it is all malware/viruses.

You will get a pop-up window every time you try to click on something. You have to quickly close that pop-up window and then click on what you wanted again. When you select a stream you will get multiple advertisements and pop-ups. You have to keep quickly closing them until the stream starts. Yes, it is a pain and tedious but once you get the hang of it it's not a problem at all. Much easier to close the pop ups and manage the stream on your PC. It can be done on an iPad (I do it all the time in bed) but it's more tedious closing all the pop-ups.

It can be very frustrating the first few times because there can be a lot of pop-ups. Just remember, never install anything and close the pop-ups as quickly as possible and click on what you want. You'll get the hang quickly.

For sports.... www.vipleague.lc
For movies/TV shows.... www.flixtor.to (Worth the $90 VIP package for 2 years) or if flixtor is full you can use www.movies2watch.tv

Same rules apply on all those sites. Never install anything, close pop-up windows until you get to your stream.

 

[MidTennMtneer]

There is serious talk now that Luck and Aresco (AAC commish) are hatching a plan. Many are saying it involves tossing out the low end of the AAC, taking the PAC4 and essentially merging, and saving a few spots for the best MWC schools in '25.

There may not be an AAC to go to for us. The bad thing in all this is what the MWC would do. Part of me says they would try and merge with CUSA and create and East and West. Who knows.

 

[sWiley]

There is serious talk now that Luck and Aresco (AAC commish) are hatching a plan. Many are saying it involves tossing out the low end of the AAC, taking the PAC4 and essentially merging, and saving a few spots for the best MWC schools in '25.

There may not be an AAC to go to for us. The bad thing in all this is what the MWC would do. Part of me says they would try and merge with CUSA and create and East and West. Who knows.

This is sensible. But instead of merging, why doesn't the Pac12 just take the best of the best from the AAC and MWC? Start with the AAC and wait for MWC buyout to go down, then grab those. This makes the most sense. Grab the best and most geographically friendly schools and be done with it. This has seemed like the no-brainer approach from the get-go in my opinion. Surprised it's taken this long for that to become their focus.

 

[sWiley]

Just take SDSU, Boise St., and Fresno St. from the MWC, and SMU from the AAC.

That's fairly regional and gets you to the magic number 8.

If you want to go to 10 then you can consider adding Memphis and Tulane from the AAC as well.

Beyond 10 there's no real good options. Maybe Hawaii and Utah State from the MWC but that's pretty underwhelming.

It's obviously not the ideal conference but it's not as bad as you think. Basketball would still be very strong also.

 

[MTLynn]