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IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

I thought I read yesterday that the ACC/FSU/CLEMSON drama looked like it was going to likely get cleared up.

ACC is still a strong brand even If Clemson and FSU left. I don't think it would implode.

DUKE, NC STATE, UNC, BOSTON COLLEGE, UVA, VA TECH, MIAMI, WAKE, PITT, Cal, STANFORD, LOUISVILLE, SMU, GA TECH, Syracuse

Regardless.

Memphis and Tulane are the two biggest pieces to this puzzle.

Once those to are official one way or another things get real interesting for UNLV.

With just Memphis and Tulane PAC qualifies as a conference I believe.

They could stay put for next few years and wait things out. And look to add down the road.

That's bad for UNLV (and potentially others in the MWC). UNLV and remainder of MWC would now be forced to decide do we dig in and attempt to rebuild by poaching or possibly merge with say the AAC or CUSA?

Or are they all on the horn searching for new homes?

I've seen rumors PAC may stop at 9 initially. Again possibly not great for UNLV if PACs next step is to try to get into Texas and they Target a Rice or UTSA.

I don't know. This really could go in a lot of different directions some we haven't even considered.
I think the issue with the ACC is heading in the direction of being settled, but it would depend on how much the ACC decides to give them, and how things are looking with regards to the GOR lawsuit.

If the ACC agrees to give extra money to FSU and/or Clemson, what about the other schools? Will UNC ask for more? Miami? Louisville? I have a hard time believing that all of these other schools are okay with taking a big pay cut to give more to a handful of other schools, but who knows? Especially with the way FSU is looking in football this year. 😂

IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

I keep saying it, and will keep on saying it. The Six-Pac MUST get UNLV. AF would be good, Wyoming or Reno if necessary. One bottom-ish feeder won't kill us. It would be stupid to pick up Tulane and Memphis, 2000 or so miles away, then have UNLV do the reverse and go to the AAC. Whatever the F is the hold up, fix it. It can't just be the additional poaching/exit fees. And shit - the Pac was already having their BB league tourneys in Vegas. Can we hang on to the LV Bowl? Less than 10 teams means no FB league title game, but eventually......

UNLV is cash strapped.

IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

IMO, unless the PAC is going to bring in additional schools from the midwest/eastern part of the country, I don't see why Memphis & Tulane would want to go. Unless they're just done with the AAC and want to leave immediately. The travel and associated costs would be horrible for the non-football sports. And without having a media deal in place for the PAC, how do you know if you're going to end up coming out ahead in that deal?

Also, I'd assume the PAC buyout would be fairly substantial, so if they commit to it, they're hurting their chances at getting into the ACC if a few of those schools leave, as has been discussed.

I thought I read yesterday that the ACC/FSU/CLEMSON drama looked like it was going to likely get cleared up.

ACC is still a strong brand even If Clemson and FSU left. I don't think it would implode.

DUKE, NC STATE, UNC, BOSTON COLLEGE, UVA, VA TECH, MIAMI, WAKE, PITT, Cal, STANFORD, LOUISVILLE, SMU, GA TECH, Syracuse

Regardless.

Memphis and Tulane are the two biggest pieces to this puzzle.

Once those to are official one way or another things get real interesting for UNLV.

With just Memphis and Tulane PAC qualifies as a conference I believe.

They could stay put for next few years and wait things out. And look to add down the road.

That's bad for UNLV (and potentially others in the MWC). UNLV and remainder of MWC would now be forced to decide do we dig in and attempt to rebuild by poaching or possibly merge with say the AAC or CUSA?

Or are they all on the horn searching for new homes?

I've seen rumors PAC may stop at 9 initially. Again possibly not great for UNLV if PACs next step is to try to get into Texas and they Target a Rice or UTSA.

I don't know. This really could go in a lot of different directions some we haven't even considered.
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IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

Quoting myself here, but this could also be a move by Memphis & Tulane to get more money from the AAC. They were hoping to get into the ACC, pending all the litigation with Florida State and Clemson. That deal sounds like the ACC may be willing to offer some of the schools a higher cut of the media deal, which in turn may keep the ACC in tact as is. But in the end, it still may not be enough (like with Texas and OU).

So what if Memphis and Tulane are playing a similar game and acting as though they're going to leave, so they can get a deal made with the AAC, bumping their cut to 10 million or so? In that case, they'd save the exit fees ($10-$18 million), keep their chances at an ACC inclusion alive, and increase the bottom line without having to incur all of the additional costs associated with joining the PAC 6
I keep saying it, and will keep on saying it. The Six-Pac MUST get UNLV. AF would be good, Wyoming or Reno if necessary. One bottom-ish feeder won't kill us. It would be stupid to pick up Tulane and Memphis, 2000 or so miles away, then have UNLV do the reverse and go to the AAC. Whatever the F is the hold up, fix it. It can't just be the additional poaching/exit fees. And shit - the Pac was already having their BB league tourneys in Vegas. Can we hang on to the LV Bowl? Less than 10 teams means no FB league title game, but eventually......

IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

Agreed!

IMO, unless the PAC is going to bring in additional schools from the midwest/eastern part of the country, I don't see why Memphis & Tulane would want to go. Unless they're just done with the AAC and want to leave immediately. The travel and associated costs would be horrible for the non-football sports. And without having a media deal in place for the PAC, how do you know if you're going to end up coming out ahead in that deal?

Also, I'd assume the PAC buyout would be fairly substantial, so if they commit to it, they're hurting their chances at getting into the ACC if a few of those schools leave, as has been discussed.
Quoting myself here, but this could also be a move by Memphis & Tulane to get more money from the AAC. They were hoping to get into the ACC, pending all the litigation with Florida State and Clemson. That deal sounds like the ACC may be willing to offer some of the schools a higher cut of the media deal, which in turn may keep the ACC in tact as is. But in the end, it still may not be enough (like with Texas and OU).

So what if Memphis and Tulane are playing a similar game and acting as though they're going to leave, so they can get a deal made with the AAC, bumping their cut to 10 million or so? In that case, they'd save the exit fees ($10-$18 million), keep their chances at an ACC inclusion alive, and increase the bottom line without having to incur all of the additional costs associated with joining the PAC 6

IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

Wouldn't it be absolutely glorious if some how some way Memphis and Tulane stay put.
Agreed!

IMO, unless the PAC is going to bring in additional schools from the midwest/eastern part of the country, I don't see why Memphis & Tulane would want to go. Unless they're just done with the AAC and want to leave immediately. The travel and associated costs would be horrible for the non-football sports. And without having a media deal in place for the PAC, how do you know if you're going to end up coming out ahead in that deal?

Also, I'd assume the PAC buyout would be fairly substantial, so if they commit to it, they're hurting their chances at getting into the ACC if a few of those schools leave, as has been discussed.

AAC - ACC

Starting to think they screwed up or the rumored 15 million per school media payout was bullshit. If Memphis and Tulane hold out, that really puts the screws to the PAC because they’ll have zero leverage and momentum. Tv deal isn’t going to be 10-15 million.
Honestly, I could see it being in that range. Especially the lower end of it, 10-12. But, it really depends on how it's filled out for the remaining spots. If the PAC doesn't get the spots filled in the next couple weeks/month though, I could see the whole group of 6 starting to sweat a little bit .
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IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

The ACC getting some clarification on their future today could help end some of this craziness and open the doors for some schools.

With the AAC, if Memphis and Tulane are in fact out and AFA is leaving they have some open spots.

I'm not sure if that's better for UNLV than trying to reload the MWC if there is no PAC invite. With Memphis Tulane yes. Without..Not so much.

Like I said before, I'll believe B12 stuff only after I'm drinking a beer and watching UNLV kickoff vs Oklahoma State in Stillwater and not until then. 🙂
I heard there is “mutual interest”. But it could have been someone from the big12 wanted to travel to Vegas on company dime to have an expensive steak dinner on UNLV’s dime.

IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

The AAC contract negotiated in 2019 has a "Conference composition" clause that allows ESPN to protect itself should the name brands in the contract not be part of the conference. In 2019 that deal was signed with Houston, Cincy, UCF, UCONN, Memphis, and Tulane... They've already lost 4 of those programs. Im not sure at what point ESPN decides to pull that trigger and re-negotiate the media deal, but you can bet if the MWC or the Pac 2 take any more programs from them, itll probably come up.
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IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

But if you read that article from yesterday on how everything went down, you get the impression that the new commissioner doesn't understand that. It comes off as upset they couldn't get their way with the MWC negotiations so they convinced 4 easy schools thar they'd pay all their fees to basically destroying MWC an in turn get what they want- assume new media deal will give them a higher payout, then these next 4, plus they get to split up remaining funds between the 2..
They're also now possibly gambling with talks to AAC programs arguing that they'll get a reduced media deal in near future due to the "competition clause" ESPN will use to renegotiate if MWC adds any programs that aren't Tulane or Memphis...

Explain the last part like I'm 5...

IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

That is possible but a very stupid approach. It won't work.
Hey I have a job opportunity for you. You will have to drive 2 hours each way, and we might match your salary. But maybe not.
I don't buy it. Thr PAC should be self aware that their name does not carry weight
But if you read that article from yesterday on how everything went down, you get the impression that the new commissioner doesn't understand that. It comes off as upset they couldn't get their way with the MWC negotiations so they convinced 4 easy schools thar they'd pay all their fees to basically destroying MWC an in turn get what they want- assume new media deal will give them a higher payout, then these next 4, plus they get to split up remaining funds between the 2..
They're also now possibly gambling with talks to AAC programs arguing that they'll get a reduced media deal in near future due to the "competition clause" ESPN will use to renegotiate if MWC adds any programs that aren't Tulane or Memphis...
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How to increase UNLV's digital footprint

I need to listen to his podcast, I know it's really popular. I saw the bio on Crouch and it was really good. That guy caught so much sh&t and always remained positive and a good guy.
One of my favorite athletes. I liked the old podcast he had. About 18 months ago he went to a new format and dropped Stat Man Dave. It's still very good, but not as good as it once was.

When I need a good laugh I listen to the Jermain Defoe episode. So much greatness.

IF REMAINING MWC TEAMS WERE SMART

Because they need to get to 8 teams and don't want to pay another 80 million dollars to do it... and they're trying to sell the weak Pac brand to them over conference affiliation like AAC...
That is possible but a very stupid approach. It won't work.
Hey I have a job opportunity for you. You will have to drive 2 hours each way, and we might match your salary. But maybe not.
I don't buy it. Thr PAC should be self aware that their name does not carry weight

AAC - ACC

The AAC isnt an option. Its a conversation piece to make us feel better that we arent being left out, but really none of these conferences are better than each other. I said it on another thread...
The AAC wont be getting 7 million dollar payouts. If Memphis and Tulane leave for the Pac 2, the AAC's contract is likely to become null and need to be renegotiated, ESPN included a conference composition clause which I can see them activating if those 2 programs leave(meaning the 6 big name programs in conference during those negotiations would be gone). There just isnt the name brand recognition that was there when it was originally created.
So maybe the Pac isnt getting the 10-15 million people assume, theyre offering a smaller more competitive conference to split payouts with along with a refined media package that is higher than what they are likely going to get in the near future when ESPN decides to terminate the agreement and offer significantly less. Reality- the Pac 2 did this because they didnt want to lose their power by joining the MWC and wanted a few less teams in the MWC, they dont have a media deal in place that we know of but we all assume its higher than the MWC/AAC, but that's also irrelevant in the AAC gets forced back into negotiations which I now see as coming.

AAC - ACC

As they should be. The longer it goes, the less leverage the PAC has in getting new schools to join.
Starting to think they screwed up or the rumored 15 million per school media payout was bullshit. If Memphis and Tulane hold out, that really puts the screws to the PAC because they’ll have zero leverage and momentum. Tv deal isn’t going to be 10-15 million.

AAC - ACC

The AAC is being used as leverage, IMO.

Maybe if the MWC wants to keep us, they give us a higher payout (The Boise special). Maybe the PAC gets worried the AAC starts making moves to counter their poaching plans. It’s obvious the AAC has an extremely competent commish that is very proactive and doesn’t need a “threat caster” (what the hell was that?) .

Regardless, there’s options and you have to use them to get what you want. It’s like buying a car, you have one you really like but you can’t let them know that. You pit different sellers against each other to get the best deal.

It’s leverage. I like where we’re at.
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