2 from a state, ratings are rising fast in importance, Cable is dropping!!
Don’t be surprised if either the SEC or B1G want 2 or even more (California) from a state before the P2 finish expanding.
Also, former Fox Sports CEO Bob Thompson and former ESPN President John Skipper think basketball is underrated. If the NCAA basketball tournament expands and they payout the Sweet 16 to being paid out like the 12 eventually 16 team playoff, some of the basketball centric conferences are going to do much much better. I’m predicting they will do this, because the non P-2 don’t want the P2 to break off, plus it’s good for them too.
Bottom line “skate to where the puck is going”, ratings are trending up fast, and cable hook ups are trending down fast too. So don’t be surprised if Wes Durham has it right, UVA , VT, UNC and NCSU could all end up in either the SEC and B1G. Close compelling matchups get ratings.
15 Replies
what do you mean ratings are trending up fast? Seems like everything I see
is the exact opposite? ratings are supposedly down for cfb
(In response to this post by Stech)
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jmanatVT
3y
As opposed to 10 years ago when it was about getting into markets--everyone was paying the sports subscriptions in their basic package whether they were watching ESPN, etc or not.
In other words, Rutgers' 7 fans don't bring a chunk of everyone in NYC (as much and decreasing) anymore.
Edit: Wow, how did I miss that there was a reply already...shame.
** Edited by jmanatVT at 6/28/2023, 9:09:38 AM
(In response to this post by anotherdamnyankeehokie)
3y
games are by far doing the best. Live sports are still the best place to get people to watch ads, thus their value to advertisers continues to rise.
(In response to this post by anotherdamnyankeehokie)
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EDGEMAN
3y
Too far outside of their footprint.
I can see the B1X taking a couple more P10 schools to create a 4 west coast school pod.
(In response to this post by Stech)
3y
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
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hokieZ71
3y
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
3y
(In response to this post by hokieZ71)
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EDGEMAN
3y
Does Stanford give them anything (broadcast wise) they don't have with USC/UCLA? Nope. Does it give them more cable households? Nope.
(In response to this post by hokieZ71)
3y
people watching TV Ads. In addition, the B1G wants their academic prestige, and lastly I think the non-revenue sports with so many games, will mainly play a regional regular season.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
3y
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
Thoughts on Stanford and the Big Ten.
1. I have always had a great deal of respect for Stanford as an institution historically. It might be the best overall university in the nation.
2. I find their football and basketball programs to be somewhat of a bore. But I really enjoyed the style of play they exhibited during their era of dominance under Harbaugh and Shaw. True smashmouth old school football with some fine passing creativity sprinkled in. But TV execs and Big Ten presidents don't care about any of this.
3. I think the B1G hanging them out to dry is almost disgraceful. The B1G claims to care about academics, but leaves Stanford, the best private school in the P5 with great non-rev sports to die on the vine. Ditto for the Cal, the top-rated public university.
4. I know the talk is that the "B1G won't leave USC and UCLA on an island" and they will "come back for more later." But I am skeptical about the prospect that the B1G is going to take Stanford. I hope I am wrong about this however.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
Was it part of the deal with USC/UCLA……Yep
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
3y
I have thought all along, Cal, Stanford, Oregon and Washington will join the B1G eventually.
(In response to this post by CrystalCoveHokie)
3y
But The B1G will first focus on expanding in the Southeast in competition with The SEC. The Western properties can be brought-in on a more leisurely timeline.
I think the Western group could be large, and may include ASU. As long as the media payouts do not suffer, The B1G will make room for them. I am not so sure that they need two schools in The Bay Area, but both are academic superstars.
I know The SEC values football "brand" and the rivalries in their footprint. But I think they would be wise to spread their wings a little. They are boxing themselves in. OTA networks and national advertisers want a broad footprint and huge markets. They always will. SEC is developing into a product that is most suitable to streaming. Maybe that will turn-out well... we'll see.
(In response to this post by Stech)