SDSU AVERAGES 25k the past 2 seasons, probably their worst 2 seasons in recent memory. We got that last season in our second best season in recent memory.
I honestly don't know how to measure AFA. You could be right, but I do think their attendance is goosed by a LOT of non paying cadets going to the games. They do have a bit of a national brand, but I think they are a distant 3rd amongst the military academies in terms of popularity/following. Even though they have been the better football program of the 3 most seasons.
SDSU easily has better media value than AFA, Same with Fresno, CSU? Harder to say, but both in basically the same market, and I think CSU easily beats them at least locally. Nationally? Mayeb AFA is better?
About a year ago WAZZU and OSU was a part of a 10 team conference that was offered 30 mil per school (without USC/UCLA). They were on the low end of that spectrum obviously, but how much are they worth? But just because they weren't worth 30-80 mil a year for a different P4, doesn't mean they are only worth 5 mil or less. They could be worth 10, 15, or 20 each and still be left behind. I think their partners really like them, which is what matters. They have historical data at least to back that up.
No question the PAC screwed up. But I think they truly went by what their media partners said. I don't think that we were blackballed by anyone. I mean really, you are going to let some petty BS hold you back from creating a solid conference that makes everyone's bottom line look good, especially when they are scrounging for an 8th?
No, I think they truly followed their metrics from what their media partners were willing to pay. I truly think they picked the 4 best in their eyes, tried to keep the poaching fees down by stopping at 4 and "shooting for the stars" AAC 4, then came back around to us as an option B.