Associating with an organization or even just a person does matter. It’s why some companies pay huge amounts of money to get a person or organization to stand beside/with them. You can get more customers/donors and corporate sponsors because you affiliate with a certain person or organization. You also can get higher amounts if they see you being associated with premiere people or organizations. I have represented newer companies without affiliations and companies with associations with premiere people or organizations. There is no comparison as to which has the steeper climb. I know you think sports conferences don’t do that, but anytime your school can associate with a better conference, you take it. I don’t think there is a tremendous difference between the B1G and the SEC, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. However, I think both are better than the ACC right now, not just for money, but because they both are seen as more successful conferences, and people follow success most if not all the time.