(04-08-2014 12:57 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:49 PM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:11 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  Perhaps Connecticut lawmakers should put a little pressure on ESPN by stopping their tax break gravy train. Tell ESPN that they are going to put an end to their $260 million in tax breaks unless they pressure the ACC to add the Huskies:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/27/sports...ticut.html

After all, ESPN was originally created to cover Connecticut sports.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_ESPN#Origins

A little hardball could go a long way. Why give a break to a network that has repeatedly stabbed UConn in the back since Mickey Mouse and company started running the network? The American is costing UConn money. It is high time to recoup it.

ESPNU in Charlotte is already capable of running all of ESPN and is setup as an automatic failover for all the channels. It is easier for them to pull the plug than you think. And Charlotte would be a front runner for the new location. Do you really want to gamble that against them moving into the heart of the ACC?

For sure, anything is temporarily possible if ESPN wanted to leave CT that badly. However, the facilities in Bristol dwarf their facilities in Charlotte. Charlotte is set up as a band aid failover. They would still need to build new buildings in Charlotte if they wanted to run the whole ESPN network in anything other than emergency mode.

Also, Bristol is not far from NYC. I don't see ESPN leaving the media capital of the world for Charlotte. Stranger things have happened, but I just don't see that happening.

I could....in a heartbeat.

Why would the existing schools want to pony up a couple of million dollars each to pay Cincy and UConn to join? Or do we expect that they would join for a zero share of conference revenues?

(04-08-2014 12:43 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:25 PM)cuseroc Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:11 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  Perhaps Connecticut lawmakers should put a little pressure on ESPN by stopping their tax break gravy train. Tell ESPN that they are going to put an end to their $260 million in tax breaks unless they pressure the ACC to add the Huskies:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/27/sports...ticut.html

After all, ESPN was originally created to cover Connecticut sports.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_ESPN#Origins

A little hardball could go a long way. Why give a break to a network that has repeatedly stabbed UConn in the back since Mickey Mouse and company started running the network? The American is costing UConn money. It is high time to recoup it.

I doubt the State of Conn. would pressure ESPN that way. Its very easy to move a corporate office to another state thats willing to give ESPN as sweet a deal or sweeter than what Conn. gives them. I still remember how easy it was for Xerox to move their corporate offices to Connecticut many years ago, even though Xerox was founded in Rochester and has its main manufacturing facilities in Rochester.

If the State of Connecticut applied even a little pressure on ESPN for something that they would see as a small issue in their relative empire, they could move to Westchester right above NYC, or N Jersey, or anywhere and get similar deals.

Have you been to Bristol to see the ESPN campus? The complex is like a small town! A move would be so expensive for ESPN.

I am not saying that the State of Connecticut should cut off all tax breaks for ESPN. However, a good corporate citizen should give back to the citizens of Connecticut. It really wouldn't impact their bottom line that much to make sure that the nation's best basketball school (which is irrefutable when you combine the success of the men's and women's teams) has a good home.

But I didnt say anything about moving its total operations from Connecticut, only its corporate offices, so that it can get the same tax breaks from other States and leave everything else in Connecticut. Thats what Xerox did. There is no large scale manufacturing done in Connecticut, on the the part of Xerox. Most of their world manufacturing is done in Rochester and they are still expanding here. But their corporate headquarters are in Connecticut, to take advantage of tax breaks that NYS wasnt willing to offer at that time.

BTW; I forgot to congratulate you guys on your latest championship. It truly is amazing what Uconn has accomplished in so short a time period. Also it pains me to say that.

(04-08-2014 02:33 PM)cuseroc Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:43 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:25 PM)cuseroc Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:11 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  Perhaps Connecticut lawmakers should put a little pressure on ESPN by stopping their tax break gravy train. Tell ESPN that they are going to put an end to their $260 million in tax breaks unless they pressure the ACC to add the Huskies:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/27/sports...ticut.html

After all, ESPN was originally created to cover Connecticut sports.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_ESPN#Origins

A little hardball could go a long way. Why give a break to a network that has repeatedly stabbed UConn in the back since Mickey Mouse and company started running the network? The American is costing UConn money. It is high time to recoup it.

I doubt the State of Conn. would pressure ESPN that way. Its very easy to move a corporate office to another state thats willing to give ESPN as sweet a deal or sweeter than what Conn. gives them. I still remember how easy it was for Xerox to move their corporate offices to Connecticut many years ago, even though Xerox was founded in Rochester and has its main manufacturing facilities in Rochester.

If the State of Connecticut applied even a little pressure on ESPN for something that they would see as a small issue in their relative empire, they could move to Westchester right above NYC, or N Jersey, or anywhere and get similar deals.

Have you been to Bristol to see the ESPN campus? The complex is like a small town! A move would be so expensive for ESPN.

I am not saying that the State of Connecticut should cut off all tax breaks for ESPN. However, a good corporate citizen should give back to the citizens of Connecticut. It really wouldn't impact their bottom line that much to make sure that the nation's best basketball school (which is irrefutable when you combine the success of the men's and women's teams) has a good home.

But I didnt say anything about moving its total operations from Connecticut, only its corporate offices, so that it can get the same tax breaks from other States and leave everything else in Connecticut. Thats what Xerox did. There is no large scale manufacturing done in Connecticut, on the the part of Xerox. Most of their world manufacturing is done in Rochester and they are still expanding here. But their corporate headquarters are in Connecticut, to take advantage of tax breaks that NYS wasnt willing to offer at that time.

BTW; I forgot to congratulate you guys on your latest championship. It truly is amazing what Uconn has accomplished in so short a time period. Also it pains me to say that.

Thanks, Cuseroc!!!

(04-08-2014 05:11 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 05:08 AM)CardFan1 Wrote:  If the ACC is successful in the quest to rid itself of divisions in Football and an ACC TV network could get approved soon , I could see Us adding both UConn and Cincinnati into the fold. It would still be 2 years away before They could enter and a lot can happen in that time frame. Both offer a sound package with multiple strengths in various sports. I would at least weigh the benefits and discuss the options before Big12 makes a move.

I could see this ONLY if there is an ACC Network to go with it.

Meanwhile, if UConn wants into the ACC, they should be negotiating with ESPN, not with the ACC.

It all comes down to this. But the ACC has been dragging its feet in regards to a network for nearly a decade now. With a network I think I'd be in favor of it, as a long-term type of investment. Otherwise a big "hell no" on UConn and a "wrong place, wrong time" for UC.

(04-08-2014 10:58 AM)EvilVodka Wrote:  I think the ACC should hold out and hope that Notre Dame comes on board. And if they do, look at adding West Virginia for #16....

The ACC is just fine with basketball, what they need more of is football muscle

How is that ND is not onboard? When did ND stop playing basketball?

(04-08-2014 12:27 PM)ChrisLords Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 12:11 PM)UConnHusky Wrote:  Perhaps Connecticut lawmakers should put a little pressure on ESPN by stopping their tax break gravy train. Tell ESPN that they are going to put an end to their $260 million in tax breaks unless they pressure the ACC to add the Huskies:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/27/sports...ticut.html

After all, ESPN was originally created to cover Connecticut sports.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_ESPN#Origins

A little hardball could go a long way. Why give a break to a network that has repeatedly stabbed UConn in the back since Mickey Mouse and company started running the network? The American is costing UConn money. It is high time to recoup it.

$260 million over 12 years. So $21 2/3 million a year. That might work. It's not so much money that it's worth moving to another state over but then again the ACC is probably going to want another $2 million per team plus the $22 million to cover UConn's share. So $52 million more per year to bribe the ACC into taking UConn. But then there is the lose of value to the AAC contract that ESPN has UConn at a reduced rate. I don't think ESPN can be leveraged by taking away their tax breaks.

It might be easier to just funnel the ESPN tax breaks into UConn's athletics program if lawmakers really care that much.

Chris - it will take $5 million a year per school to buy enough votes to get UConn into the ACC. You have to try to turn two of the following: BC, FSU, Clemson, NC State and VT.

You will not turn FSU and BC. That leaves Clemson, State, and VT. Clemson will not go cheap. State and VT will also gin up the price.

That's about $90 million to add UConn. An extra $5 million for 14 schools, and UConn's share of about $27 million. I don't see ESPN willing to go beyond $40 million.

(04-08-2014 01:31 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  Let's get it done and add Connecticut and Cincinnati to get 16 full members, with Notre Dame as the 17th member.

Allow me to take this opportunity to introduce you to a vocal minority of Louisvillians known as "Preservationist" ( also known as "apologists" on the message boards). I could take a dump on the sidewalk and 5 minutes later they would claim/whine that it's too historically relevant to ever let go or give up on.

(04-08-2014 07:58 PM)ACCslater Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 01:31 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  Let's get it done and add Connecticut and Cincinnati to get 16 full members, with Notre Dame as the 17th member.

Allow me to take this opportunity to introduce you to a vocal minority of Louisvillians known as "Preservationist" ( also known as "apologists" on the message boards). I could take a dump on the sidewalk and 5 minutes later they would claim/whine that it's too historically relevant to ever let go or give up on.

Bite me!

(04-08-2014 07:58 PM)ACCslater Wrote:  

(04-08-2014 01:31 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  Let's get it done and add Connecticut and Cincinnati to get 16 full members, with Notre Dame as the 17th member.

Allow me to take this opportunity to introduce you to a vocal minority of Louisvillians known as "Preservationist" ( also known as "apologists" on the message boards). I could take a dump on the sidewalk and 5 minutes later they would claim/whine that it's too historically relevant to ever let go or give up on.

Another Bandwagon jumper. Next month He will be a Kentucky Fan. Ever wonder where These Noobs come from ?

UCONN has a great basketball program in Men's and Women's -- but football drives the P5 bus and UCONN has only been playing big time football for a decade and had a run and has collapsed since. The Big East and now the American is that 6th conference - the tweener - the conference programs use to develop into powers.

UCONN needs to embrace its position - in a conference that has nearly every game in basketball and football on National Television - they have the visibility to improve. Improve and move up! It's that simple - don't bite the hand that has fed you and made you the basketball power you are and use it nurture it for their football growth!

When will we add uconn??????


Not today.......

Not tomorrow......

Not EVER.................

I know why Syracuse is against UConn, their success has frighten you!

(04-09-2014 06:39 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  I know why Syracuse is against UConn, their success has frighten you!

(04-09-2014 06:39 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  I know why Syracuse is against UConn, their success has frighten you!

This is kind of an odd statement. There are more Ville fans who have responded negatively about Uconn than SU fans. Uconn has past up Louisville and Syracuse as well as every other program in the country the last 15 years.

No. That is no a reflection on Uconn or their success. People like to say that football is driving the bus. That is true but TV IS THE BUS. So looking at the combination of football, college sports and TV markets, Connecticut (3.6 million) doesn't seem like a good add. Cincinnati potentially has a better market (Ohio 11.5 million) but with 5 pro teams and a 300lb gorilla, I don't think they can deliver that market.

Unless you have a B1G type network deal where payout is based on potential viewers, NJ (8.9 million) doesn't seem like an option. WV has some die hard fans but no market (1.8 million).

Maryland/DC has a population of 6.5 million but has 5 pro teams. UMD has shown that there are some college fans there but they are very fickle. You could combine Philly metro (5.7 million) but you also add 3 more pro teams.

Unless there is a Penn State or Texas type available, expansion doesn't seem like a good idea right now.

(04-09-2014 07:57 AM)cuseroc Wrote:  

(04-09-2014 06:39 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  I know why Syracuse is against UConn, their success has frighten you!

This is kind of an odd statement. There are more Ville fans who have responded negatively about Uconn than SU fans. Uconn has past up Louisville and Syracuse as well as every other program in the country the last 15 years.

Actually I haven't really responded negatively or positively...but no denying their success but what they have done doesn't diminish what Louisville has done.

Also, seriously doubt UConn success is a source of concern of Syracuse as well...both programs are comfortable in their skins and looking forward to the Future...

(04-09-2014 08:17 AM)Maize Wrote:  

(04-09-2014 07:57 AM)cuseroc Wrote:  

(04-09-2014 06:39 AM)Wilkie01 Wrote:  I know why Syracuse is against UConn, their success has frighten you!

This is kind of an odd statement. There are more Ville fans who have responded negatively about Uconn than SU fans. Uconn has past up Louisville and Syracuse as well as every other program in the country the last 15 years.

Actually I haven't really responded negatively or positively...but no denying their success but what they have done doesn't diminish what Louisville has done.

Also, seriously doubt UConn success is a source of concern of Syracuse as well...both programs are comfortable in their skins and looking forward to the Future...

I was not diminishing Louisvilles success at all. How can anyone? The point is that, if Syracuse is afraid of Uconns success than Louisville and every other program should be too. Its just that Uconn has been on a level all on their own the last 15 years. I'm amazed as to what they have done, and with a second year coach to boot. He just picked up where Calhoun left off. I really did not care for Calhoun. But Ollie is very likable which is upsetting to me, because I loved to dislike everything associated with Uconn. Now I dislike them a little less.

I think Wilkie was just messing with JohnO1992. UConn has earned the respect in Basketball Accomplishments in Men's and Women's. Hopefully They can turn Football around with a New coach.

(04-09-2014 08:14 AM)Wolfman Wrote:  No. That is no a reflection on Uconn or their success. People like to say that football is driving the bus. That is true but TV IS THE BUS. So looking at the combination of football, college sports and TV markets, Connecticut (3.6 million) doesn't seem like a good add. Cincinnati potentially has a better market (Ohio 11.5 million) but with 5 pro teams and a 300lb gorilla, I don't think they can deliver that market.

Unless you have a B1G type network deal where payout is based on potential viewers, NJ (8.9 million) doesn't seem like an option. WV has some die hard fans but no market (1.8 million).

Maryland/DC has a population of 6.5 million but has 5 pro teams. UMD has shown that there are some college fans there but they are very fickle. You could combine Philly metro (5.7 million) but you also add 3 more pro teams.

Unless there is a Penn State or Texas type available, expansion doesn't seem like a good idea right now.

UConn>Cincy for the ACC. UConn complementing Cuse/ND/BC/Pitt will help cement the NYC/Southern New England area. The ACC can't afford to cede NYC to the B1G.

That said...the ACC can't invite UConn unless the money stays the same at a minimum.