(05-08-2012 10:40 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(05-08-2012 07:25 PM)bitcruncher Wrote:  I don't hate the Big XII. I just feel that WVU is basically an SEC team at heart, and it would allow me to actually see WVU play in Knoxville. I wouldn't have to travel...

My interests are purely selfish...

I can relate. I've tried to get Memphis to move its main campus to Atlanta for 30 years now.

If you ever succeed, you must lend me your lever...

Here is the actual Swofford interview I referenced (about 8:35-17 min mark):

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/unc/audio/11078739/

He says many things in there:

Raycom important and glad ESPN values/valued Raycom and continues relationship for syndication primarily (this means NO new ACC network as the current spin would tell you)

TV deal--talked about it being done soon, feels good about tv markets and seaboard, stressed exposure being important similar to financials, feels the current tv situation is good and it will be getting better adding Pitt and SU.

Said programs need to "self generate" money but the conference enhances that so they can be competitive--not just financially but exposure important.

When asked specifically if they will pull even or remain fifth in payouts:

Said have to be careful comparing apples to oranges, #'s between conferences

Said they'll be "well within the ballpark" in terms of "competing with other conferences" (translation--will still be fifth)

Said change in marketplace-now 75-80% negotiations driven by football--their football has fallen short--best teams haven't done as well as they'd like them to on the national stage--brand programs not up to "own standards" --more quality teams they have and the better best teams do, they would be better off in marketplace (translation--will still be fifth)--need to "continue to develop" football programs because of the 75-80% importance of football in negotiations.

Said basketball has been terrific, need better "luck" on the national stage in football, need football to be as good as traditionally bb has been and need to continue to develop football


In short, nothing he said should make anyone believe that the ACC is getting some astronomical increase, new network, or any of the other pie in the sky increases to "save ACC football" that have been bantered about. Football hasn't been performing well and that reflects on their negotiation---and Raycom sports (current ACC network) isn't going anywhere.

I don't know what the mood is around the ACC but when Comcast approached the SEC to start a dedicated network like the Big 10 has the SEC members balked because it would mean the end of the SEC syndicated network.

The SEC membership felt that while they were leaving dollars on the table having the syndicated broadcast network provided them with three substantial benefits. One it meant that basically everyone within the SEC footprint was guaranteed two games they could see every Saturday regardless of which cable or satellite company (or none) that they were served by (the CBS game and the syndicated game. That was considered to be good for fans and reaching recruits. Two it meant that the local stations carrying games would feel more like they were in partnership with the league and the local member(s) helping to maintain their cozy relationships. Finally the deal would leave the door open to regional and local sponsors who wouldn't waste ad dollars reaching a subscriber in Oregon or advertising a Jackson, MS business in Atlanta. That would keep local and regional businesses engaged in the SEC business.