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5
501 OP
Jul 17, 2024 at 09:40 PM ET
FSU, Clemson, NCSU, & VT to B12 is the latest thing I see being tossed
against the Twitter (X?) wall. Like all the other scenarios flying around, probably nothing to it.
Link: here

60 Replies

F
FLKEYSHOKIE
VT going to the B12 will happen if that is the Hokies "only and very last"
choice !
S
Stech
I would rather be in the Sunbelt, than B12, way more local rivalries,
and the games would be way more interesting to watch. College Football is just entertainment, it has nothing to do with what my degree from Virginia Tech means to me, or the people I hire.
HokieDelNorte HokieDelNorte
If you lived in Dallas (like I do) you would
never see them play again on tv with that plan.
H
HokieNoVA
I'd bet that most Sun Belt schools would jump at a chance to join the B12.
And would happily abandon those local rivalries for more $$ and more relevance.
S
Stech
Of course they would, everybody is letting the money run them, but college
football was built on close regional rivalries, and the only two conferences that have most of that left are SEC and SBC. Players want to play in front of fans that care more, and the closer geographical rivalries make the fans care more. Give me that over this so spread out games that there is hardly an away fan at the game. It sure seems to be working for the SEC and I bet it works for the SBC too. I would rather have that than the sports money, but maybe that is just me. ** Edited by Stech at 7/19/2024, 12:06:52 PM
H
HokiesACC2004
I agree but the money won't be the same
VTHokie2000 VTHokie2000
You are right that the money won't be the same. What will be interesting
to see play out is if that difference is short-term or long-term. As the gap between the P2s and the rest of the DI schools continues to widen, how long will the networks continue to funnel money into conferences like the ACC and Big XII? That isn't to say the networks don't make money of their content. How does their RoR compare to the RoR for the P2s? If the networks get a substantial better RoR on their investment with the P2s, then at some point I would think the networks would start to consider re-allocating some of their investment in the ACC and Big XII to the P2s. After all business is business. I do think at some point the financial gap between the ACC/Big XII and the rest of the DI conferences will be smaller than the gap between the ACC/Big XII and the P2s. It may already be heading in that direction as we speak.
F
FLKEYSHOKIE
Stech, your post does make sense, the more I think about it !
B
Big12 guy
I don't think anyone assumes otherwise.
Maroon Baboon Maroon Baboon
MHver3 not a credible source.
B
Big12 guy
The only credible source will be an official announcement.
H
Hokie12thman
Don’t think VT will leave for big 12 without UVA - we have a chip
To play - don’t see why we would scurry off to b12 and let uva go along w UNC to p2, unless b12 can match or get close to p2 money w these additions
1
1947Sunbowl
exactly...
these big 12 things are alot of rumors intended to stir a divide in the Commonwealth. (and actually NC) In big 12 territory, they dont get working together, its always never be collaborative... just doesnt work here in the Mid Atlantic area.
S
Stech
The Big 12 tries to scare everyone to get what they want, here we go again.
2
2hhoop3
I don't think the Big 12........
and their carnival barker commissioner scares anyone on their own. They have, however, proven to be a willing foot soldier for more formidable partners that wish to stay in the shadows until they can no longer remain there.
S
Stech
I wish he didn’t scare anyone, but most of the P12 didn’t want to go and
would get out in a second if the offer was there. The PAC 12 without Texas and Oklahoma is a G5 football Conference, yet he got some good PAC 12 teams to hit panic button, let’s hope he doesn’t do the same with the ACC, if he hasn’t already done so.
2
2hhoop3
If there are ACC teams........
that scare that easily it is on them. Like I said, the situations differ in the PAC 12 and ACC. The PAC 12 contracts were already expiring and the two LA schools were gone. While the remaining term for the ACC MIGHT not run full length it still exists at present. I do not have a high level of anxiety as I believe things will work out for a number of reasons.
S
Stech
I agree it’s a different situation, fear sometimes overrules brains.
** Edited by Stech at 7/18/2024, 9:20:23 PM
B
Big12 guy
We have discussed the B12 being complicate in some sort of
bigger plan or conspiracy. I have always disagreed with this. If however, the rumors are true, and they end up giving financial considerations to attract current ACC members, I will change my position, and tip my hat to you. Up to this point, I think the B12 has just been lucky in timing and geography. let's see how this plays out before we come to conclusions however, because statements like that are as bad as the B12 You Tube hacks.
H
hokieluver
Don't think I'd call them lucky...
Save the Big East and recent PAC-12 explosion, the Big 12 has been the most raided conference. Frankly, I think its amazing that the Big 12 is still in the P4/5 discussion and is stumping as the #3 conference. ACC has only lost Maryland. Big 12 has lost Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma. That's quite a list, yet they are still maintaining relevance. Granted, they have Colorado back and have added some respectable programs over the years, but I wouldn't fault the Big 12 for going out and making waves trying to backfill. If blame needs to be assigned, it is saved for the original poachers. Like it or not, ACC is one of them regarding the Big East.
B
Big12 guy
I appreciate the post. The Big east football schools needed a different
conference to play in. There just were not many options for them at the time. Before that, the ACC was irrelevant in football, save a couple of runs by Clemson in the 80's. If Penn state had been the anchor, and Paterno was raising the issue for years before they went to the Big 10, we would be having a different discussion.
2
2hhoop3
How this plays out......
has nothing to do with my statement. My statement was their history and my belief about what should really scare someone looking at the situation. Moreover, just because you believe they were previously lucky with respect to timing and geography does not really address my contention. You yourself have admitted surprise at the numbers and, honestly, attributing it to luck of timing and geography ignores a lot of "convenient coincidences."
B
Big12 guy
You have your beliefs, and I have mine, amazed they don't always line up.
2
2hhoop3
I think we both know......
that was unlikely to ever happen. One more thing we disagree on is that my statements/beliefs are anywhere near as bad as the trash put out by the Big 12 YouTube Hacks.
B
Big12 guy
There does seem to be more of them than ACC hacks - I'll give you that.
V
VTCALS72
I don't think the Big 12 is much if at all the generator of a conspiracy
Now ESPN who as a part of their conspiracy is using the Big 12, that is another matter. I do think there is some luck on where the Big 12 is as they only had 2 schools anybody wanted so there was not going to be as much disruption to the conference as a whole but a bigger part is the role they are playing or being manipulated to play based on all of big Media's plan.
B
Big12 guy
This is not the B12's fault.
hokie77 hokie77
Would prefer remain in ACC than B12. As most on here, want B10 or SEC ($$).
2
2hhoop3
The play is not the Big 12,......
if truly involved, the Big 12 is once again a willing dupe for scraps to provide cover for the B1G/FOX and SEC/ESPN to cherry pick a viable conference without looking like the bully AND to use the fear of having their current conference home dissolve under their feet to motivate some less desirable(but still desirable) targets to take a lower payout initially. This time is different than the PAC 12 because the ACC and ESPN are making money, even if it is less than they might like, and despite the rancor, there are existing agreements with terms to run as opposed to expiring in the near term. The next few weeks will be interesting, at least in terms of setting a short term(next 18-24 months) course but, there are things in play(House settlement progress, ongoing CFP negotiations, etc.) that might impact the ongoing realignment discussions.
O
obguthr
If we get P2 payouts and CFP bids, why not?
Otherwise, pass.
B
Big12 guy
Everyone not in the P2 could say that. The problem is that it
appears that the P2 is not going to expand enough to let everyone in. The mythical super conference may or may not happen at some point in the future, but for now, it's how much money can you get, and is it enough to compete in the medium and long term? I'd be surprised if there is a shred of truth to these rumors, and while it would bolster the B12, and possibly change the money in regards to the media contract and guaranteed playoff money, I just do not see how this is good for college football. The Mag 7 has the value, but need more Mag 7 type schools to form a new conference, and I don't think that is in the cards for a host of reasons. The ACC could stay together, and they were given a gift with the guaranteed playoff money - yet they want to distribute that money evenly, including the 3 new additions. If the B12 has the capacity to satisfy the money requirements of such a move, and they currently do not, where would they get the kind of money to satisfy FSU and Clemson? We have discussed private equity, but none of us on this board have shown how the PE firm makes their return on their investment. Naming rights and other revenue streams could easily be replicated by any conference, so I don't see the advantage there either. So, set aside the rumors and click bait, and talk the money part, because that will ultimately be the determining factor. Would the media contract with the addition of the top ACC schools, and the addition of the 4 corners move the needle enough to make this type of merger feasible? Would the look in of the playoff money give the new conference a share closer to the P2? Looking at the bigger picture, where does the money come from? A lateral money move doesn't make any sense, but a move that could give the Mag 7 $20M more a year? In my humble opinion, it would take that for it to make sense for FSU or any top ACC program to consider such a move. $20M a year more is $80M a year for 4 schools, or $400M more for a 20 school conference. That is a lot of jack, and I don't currently see how that happens unless there are uneven distributions. Currently, in the B12, there are no whispers of uneven distributions, and PE money is a temporary infusion of cash. Do you think such a conference would command a media deal that pays closer to the $50M per school it would take to move the needle enough to be competitive? I certainly don't know, but I wouldn't dismiss a merger like this out of hand.
HokieAl HokieAl
There is another angle to the PE firm aspect that we don't know
If a PE firm(s) were to invest in a conference, the value would likely be tied to some other investment. Perhaps they are also a partner in that new Disney-Fox-WB streaming service. Or some other venture that would stand to drastically increase profits from more college football realignment. The PE firm(s) will definitely have an angle for their money and I doubt it is as basic as taking a % of yearly revenue from the B12.
B
Big12 guy
Ya, I don't know what to think of the PE with the information we
currently have. It could be a game changer and a positive, but it could also be an unmitigated disaster.
1
133193Hokie
and if it is a success than the SEC/B1G would follow and the Big12/ACC
would still have the same revenue disparity that it has today - i.e. it would be a short term advantage
B
Big12 guy
Maybe not. The P2's advantage is set in stone, and they are making bank
without PE money, at least for now. How many years will it take to determine whether or not a PE "investment" pays off or not? With how things are going, we will be in a much different situation 5 to 10 years from now. Title9 just might bring some anti trust legislation in regards to player compensation, and I don't think the P2 would take the risk until all of that plays out. The B12 is taking risks, because, when you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. The P2 does not have to take risks.
V
VT ChemE 1986
Agreed
Honestly, I just don’t see a scenario where the ACC collapses. The P2 will take at most 2 schools. Period. The other schools have nowhere to go. Why pay an exit fee to change conferences for the same money, less attractive rivalries and higher travel costs? The ACC is not the PAC12. It will not destroy itself. Since there are no forces compelling enough to destroy it from the outside, it is not going anywhere. That said, there is the opportunity to rationalize membership or enhance payouts to the best schools to keep them in the boat and potentially attract new schools. ** Edited by VT ChemE 1986 at 7/18/2024, 9:47:15 AM
B
Big12 guy
If the ACC loses their top 2 schools, they also lose some guaranteed
playoff money at the look in. That money does not go to the B12, as I really don't see a legitimate scenario where FSU and Clemson land in the B12. A third conference, whatever the make up, will have to find a way to get enough revenue to compete. Without the guaranteed playoff money that Clemson and FSU carry with them, I don't see how a third conference gets there - and that may be the key here. The Big 10 and SEC are already in the catbirds seat when it comes to money. FSU is worth a full share of either P2, and Clemson has a good argument as well - but after that, it falls off pretty far, especially with the guaranteed playoff money. So the question becomes whether or not the Big 10 and SEC need a competitive conference to maintain their advantage, or if they break away. A break away isn't a good business model in my humble opinion, and the B12 and ACC are at an impasse. I understand why you guys want mag 7 centric conference, and you have a valid argument, but could such a conference generate the kind of money it would take to peel off the top B12 schools? keep in mind that VT in a conference with WVU, Cincy, Pitt, and Louisville sounds pretty awesome to me. Add in NCSU and Miami, and you got a winner as far as I'm concerned. I just don't see where the money comes from for it to make sense.
V
VT ChemE 1986
The position I have espoused here many times is that the BIG12 and ACC
should merge. Create a national mid-tier conference, with East and West divisions, and pay-outs based upon performance. I think the only reason why this is not getting more attention is because half the conference administrative staff would lose their jobs. These folks care a lot more about their jobs than the long-term health of their member schools. ** Edited by VT ChemE 1986 at 7/18/2024, 10:14:11 AM
HokieAl HokieAl
It also won't happen because of academics. Some schools just
don't want to be associated with other schools that they perceive as not as good. This is part of the reason why we have Cal and Stanford in the ACC and why they didn't want VT or WVU in the past.
2
2hhoop3
Academics is a false flag......
they took Louisville, they accepted and defended UNC's antics, to name just two contradictions.
HokieAl HokieAl
Yeah Louisville jumped to mind even as I posted.
I had to look back at old articles to see why the ACC grabbed Louisville. My take is basically it was partly panic after losing Maryland, partly football because L'ville had one solid year when they were invited, and definitely basketball as L'ville was very strong at that point. But even the old articles were saying this was odd and asking why did the ACC pick them.
B
Big12 guy
it's always about perception, and the money. You try to position
your school to attain more research dollars - which is a LOT more than football dollar. The PAC, Big 10, Ivey league, and ACC are some of the conferences that come to mind. have an athletic conference with like minded institutions. Every conference is guilty as charged, except maybe Conference USA.
W
WBGV
It is somewhat humorous and sad that Calford pursuit of membership
into the B1G was rejected. Their pursuit of membership into the Big 12 was rejected. The pursuit of membership into the ACC required them to take 1/3 of the conference payout as other members, fly their student athletes from the West Coast to the East Coast and back for almost all away conference games, and sign a GOR that could end only a few years after joining or even worse lock them into a horrible conference deal until 2036. These were clearly desperate schools forced to make horrible choices. They are also two of the top academic University in the entire world. IMO, athletic conference affiliation was always about the money and everything else carried little to no weight. This round of conference realignment exposed what had likely always been true.
E
EDGEMAN
Its not that the fans of non-P2 conferences are saying that...
...it's that our conferences aren't getting paid to compete. (That includes the B12.)
E
EDGEMAN
The odds of that happening are between slim and none...
...and Slim just left town.
E
EDGEMAN
LOL!
H
HokiesACC2004
No thank you
F
FLKEYSHOKIE
That won't happen not anytime soon, no doubt about it. Better options will
present themselves in the distant future and the teams involved know that !
S
SpeakToDamien
So dumb
VTChip VTChip
Here's Greg Swaim's tweet just a few minutes ago, FWIW
CrystalCoveHokie CrystalCoveHokie
Another tweet from Swaim suggesting B12 may not want FSU…..
As FSU is being viewed as too entitled.
HokieAl HokieAl
I still am amazed at how extensive the media has spread the "FSU is bad"
This all looks like a big misdirection so that we forget just how ugly the playoff snub was. A P5 champion who was undefeated got left out in favor of two 1 loss teams that have P2 favoritism. Behind closed doors, all the other conferences know exactly why FSU is doing this and they understand. I don't think their reputation is tarnished at all among the college athletics groups (except the ACC). And we all know the fans don't matter anymore. So this is just another talking point.
O
ombandit
I wonder who “presented” it to him, Walt Disney? 😂🤣
Atlee Hokie Atlee Hokie
Nah! Goofy did.
VTChip VTChip
He’s now doubling down. The sky is falling 😂
VTChip VTChip
Oops missed posting his other tweet
V
VTCALS72
TV folks want the SEC and B10 to stand down?
I may have to "take the L" as Greg Flugar says but that makes absolutely no sense. If TV wants a 3rd conference, which I do not believe they do, it makes no sense to put it anywhere but the population dense east. I do believe the TV folks have had a use for the Big 12 in all of this and maybe it is not long term but ESPN is certainly using them and all the while some of them think the Big 12 will own Texas and Oklahoma even with Texas, OU and TAMU in the SEC. Now, that has nothing to do with good football and good fan support which the Big 12 currently has but IMHO if good football, good attendance and good tailgating had anything to do with it, neither UVA nor several others would be mentioned as much as they are. There is a final blueprint that big media is working from and it may be more of what they see as long range than what is happening today.
HokieAl HokieAl
The only part I believe at all is that the small private ACC schools
Duke, BC, Wake, Syracuse, SMU, Stanford should be worried the most about what happens with the ACC. Every single one of them is going to have a hard time finding a home that they are happy with IF the ACC were to break up. But more than likely they would keep the ACC name and pull in other schools that they want IF any of the big public schools left for a different conference. I'm sure the B12 would love this scenario, but it would take a TON of guaranteed money to make anyone consider it.
BUGGZY BUGGZY
so the B1G would rather have GT, uva and Miami than Stanford or Cal?
this sounds like nonsense. Also, I still can't see FSU running into the arms of UCF. If those 6 schools were willing to leave the ACC for the BigXII, why not just leave and recruit 6+ schools of their choosing to join them in a new league? Clemson, FSU, L'ville, VT, Pitt, NCSU, then make calls. aim high, but there would be plenty of options to flesh out a strong media property. hell, some of the remaining ACC schools might choose to join them. perhaps disgruntled members of the P2 (aTm? PSU?), and certainly some large BigXII brands. It's all nonsense, so just adding my own seasoning to it.
2
2hhoop3
Greg's late as usual.......
for April 1, the one day of the year he has any real relevance.