Jdrums#3 wrote: ↑11 months ago
I appreciate the perspective, Steve81.
It is certainly interesting following the realignment news and rumors. Though I am aware the moves and potential move are football driven, my concern is what happens on the basketball side of things and Rhody being able to legitimately compete for automatic and at-large NCAAT bids.
Regarding the A10, I am losing confidence that the conference can provide that platform going forward unless it can remake/re-brand itself somehow or unless several programs decide to band together and leave to form a new conference or merge with another using the A10 name - if that name can remain viable or has any cache’ left.
Are there an options out there for Rhody and UMass that involve all sports - one that elevates football and basketball ? I don’t think so but neither have I given that much thought at all. But, if I was Thorr, all realistic options would be on the table just in case the A10 continues to fade away from being a relevant basketball conference.
Hope you come back to comment as realignment progresses.
Here is an interesting post by BeatWestern, a MAC poster.
Link from Fight Massachusetts Board on 247sports.com
I'm quite sure the MAC still has a strong desire to expand to 14 members as a condition of increasing its ESPN media rights deal set to expire in 2026-27. Of course, it will have to be with the right pair of schools that add value.
You can be sure a GOR will be attached to any renewed/increased ESPN deal, as was the case with the WKU/MTSU adds set to take place for 2023 before MTSU backed out at the last minute.
Delaware is one school to keep an eye on. They have a plan in place to upgrade their facilities and a strong desire to move up to FBS. If UMass were committed to join the MAC for all sports, that could be a pair the MAC Presidents would be very receptive to adding.
Western Kentucky could still be an option for the MAC, too. UMass could potentially pair with WKU, but again, UMass would have to commit to the MAC for all sports.
And what's Army West Point going to do? I would be very surprised with the expanded CFP now if West Point doesn't finally seek conference affiliation. That could potentially be as a replacement for SMU in the AAC, but maybe that's not an option with Navy already a member. Would the MAC be interested in West Point? I dare say yes! Then, perhaps UMass could pair with Army as affiliates in the MAC.
Let's see how these conference realignment dominoes fall in the next 30-90 days. Only time will tell.
Jdrums#3, my opinion is three things need to happen by the end of the year.
Discuss with UMass
Discuss with the MAC
Both UMass and URI need good seasons.
Thorr Bjorn would be best to gauge or influence UMass interest through informal discussions
Be very prudent for AD Thorr Bjorn to call discuss with Jon Steinbrecher, commissioner of the MAC. I have emailed Jon Steinbrecher and responded to me the next day, so think he is open minded. That said some people are saying the new COO of the MAC maybe the next commissioner. Here is the Hire, an ESPN guy, who worked with the SEC conference.
MAC Deputy Commissioner and COO
Prior to his time at the USOPC, Turner spent 25 years at ESPN where he most recently held the position of Vice President overseeing all aspects of SEC Network business and delivering hundreds of millions in annual revenue over the network’s first 6 ½ years.
During his tenure at ESPN, Turner was also instrumental in co-leading a division that created ESPN owned and operated football bowl games and multi-team basketball events.
Also the MAC board is not as busy as most FBS conference boards and was down last year, except did very well during bowl season.
You should visit the board and this is a related thread and you can always back up to the main board.
MAC board newer conference realignment thread