The Realignment Options from the Pac-6 and Mountain West Perspective.

[BleedingBLue]

Are those who don't like night games and weekday games going to complain if we move up and are playing at least 2 Friday games each year, and at least 2 Saturday night games each year, and possibly a Thursday game?

Wow, very good point! That hadn't crossed my mind as on of the changes regarding a move up... On the proverbial Pro/Con list, that's a fairly significant con...

We would play a lot at 8 o’clock at night.

Definitely. The TV contracts could change, but typically the MW and Pac played a lot of games at 7 PM or later, depending on who was carrying the game. Every MW team now currently plays at least 2 Friday night games as well.

[Bobcat Sig]

Choate comments on Nevada and MSU. Very interesting.

https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/report ... c-12-offer

I said this much on the podcast (shameless plug) but I want MSU to compete in a level of football with other programs who take it seriously. 75%+ of the FCS does not take football seriously. We are in a division with teams like Mercyhurst, and entire conferences that don't offer scholarships or compete in the vaunted playoffs.

This is where I am with the move. Most of the other teams that we competed with - and that gave a rip about football - already packed up and headed to an FBS conference. That leaves five or six teams regularly competing for a title. Twenty years ago - and before NDSU's rise to power, the FCS had many viable programs. But they all saw the landscape shifting and chased the dollar, along with the competition.

That's now left only a small number of programs with the resources and willingness to compete. Our beloved FCS isn't what it was.

[Catprint]

What are the current payouts to the MW schools for their media rights, and NCAA basketball tournament?

There are only good guesses out there. Conferences in general do not release exact data. However, it does appear that each Mountain West school gets about $3.5 million a year with Boise getting an additional $1.8 million. Those numbers do not include the TNT contract that was put together this summer to air 14 MWC football games. But the money would be fairly small.

From what I have read, the MWC and Conference USA distribute the lowest amount of TV dollars to their schools of all FBS conferences. Both in the $3-$4 million range. Hence two results

1) This is why four schools jumped to the PAC-6; in hopes of a much larger TV contract; that by the way does not even exist yet.
2) Why it is hard to think the MWC can pull away teams from the SunBelt or American Athletic Conference because those teams would be giving up better TV revenue. Even pulling teams from Conference USA might be an even trade in TV money.

The MW contract with Fox and CBS appear to end after 2025-2026 season so coinciding with the exodus to the Pac-12. Hard to imagine what numbers are going to be negotiated at that time. But the trend has only been up for all conferences. Does the money pot have any end in sight?

[MSU01]

This article suggests that NMSU and Sac State have interest in joining the Mountain West.

https://frontofficesports.com/several-s ... tain-west/

[Helcat72]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

[Hawks86]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

[technoCat]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

Would we need to add more sports just to join the MWC? Like Soccer or Baseball or something? Besides the increased female sport scholarships?

[MSU01]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

Would we need to add more sports just to join the MWC? Like Soccer or Baseball or something? Besides the increased female sport scholarships?

I believe they'd need to add at least one, as the NCAA recently instituted a rule that FBS programs must offer at least 16 NCAA-sanctioned sports. The current sports are:

Men: Football, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Tennis, Skiing (7 total)
Women: Volleyball, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (8 total)

[cats2506]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

Would we need to add more sports just to join the MWC? Like Soccer or Baseball or something? Besides the increased female sport scholarships?

I believe they'd need to add at least one, as the NCAA recently instituted a rule that FBS programs must offer at least 16 NCAA-sanctioned sports. The current sports are:

Men: Football, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Tennis, Skiing (7 total)
Women: Volleyball, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (8 total)

Add mens and Womens wrestling

[Helcat72]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

Would we need to add more sports just to join the MWC? Like Soccer or Baseball or something? Besides the increased female sport scholarships?

I believe they'd need to add at least one, as the NCAA recently instituted a rule that FBS programs must offer at least 16 NCAA-sanctioned sports. The current sports are:

Men: Football, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Tennis, Skiing (7 total)
Women: Volleyball, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (8 total)

Add mens and Womens wrestling

[allcat]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

Would we need to add more sports just to join the MWC? Like Soccer or Baseball or something? Besides the increased female sport scholarships?

I believe they'd need to add at least one, as the NCAA recently instituted a rule that FBS programs must offer at least 16 NCAA-sanctioned sports. The current sports are:

Men: Football, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Tennis, Skiing (7 total)
Women: Volleyball, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (8 total)

Can we add basket weaving?

[MSU01]

Add mens and Womens wrestling

Sounds good to me, and that could be a good option financially. Can likely use existing space and wouldn't need a special facility built for it, relatively low equipment costs compared to other sports, and a rich history of the sport in Montana which would likely generate fan/booster interest from the start. The one drawback could be travel costs since the nearest D-1 programs are in the Denver area (Wyoming, Air Force, Northern Colorado), Utah Valley, Oregon State to the west, and NDSU/SDSU to the east. Plenty of NAIA schools in the area though and two in-state with MSU-Northern and U. of Providence.

[Bobcat4Ever]

Seems you’d want to add sports that the majority of the new conference (MWC) schools already participate in.

[MSU01]

Seems you’d want to add sports that the majority of the new conference (MWC) schools already participate in.

That's basically women's softball or women's soccer, both of which pretty much every Big Sky school but MSU already has. The Mountain West also has gymnastics but I can't say I see that as a likely option. You bring up a good point though, which is that the MWC will likely want some input into which sports its new members participate in.

[catsrback76]

Seems you’d want to add sports that the majority of the new conference (MWC) schools already participate in.

That's basically women's softball or women's soccer, both of which pretty much every Big Sky school but MSU already has. The Mountain West also has gymnastics but I can't say I see that as a likely option. You bring up a good point though, which is that the MWC will likely want some input into which sports its new members participate in.

I think it’s a “no brainer” for MSU to add soccer. That is about as low cost to transition as you’d come by. The IPF, the fields, even the stadium could be easily used to host events and practice. Rugby? Lacrosse is already a power for the Cats, so we’re there in all actuality and could jump up fairly easily at this point.
It’s looking inevitable that the MSU and UM move up is going to be “a thing”… the question is when and where?

[Montanabob]

Seems you’d want to add sports that the majority of the new conference (MWC) schools already participate in.

That's basically women's softball or women's soccer, both of which pretty much every Big Sky school but MSU already has. The Mountain West also has gymnastics but I can't say I see that as a likely option. You bring up a good point though, which is that the MWC will likely want some input into which sports its new members participate in.

I think it’s a “no brainer” for MSU to add soccer. That is about as low cost to transition as you’d come by. The IPF, the fields, even the stadium could be easily used to host events and practice. Rugby? Lacrosse is already a power for the Cats, so we’re there in all actuality and could jump up fairly easily at this point.
It’s looking inevitable that the MSU and UM move up is going to be “a thing”… the question is when and where?

HOCKEY!!!!!?

[BleedingBLue]

Seems you’d want to add sports that the majority of the new conference (MWC) schools already participate in.

That's basically women's softball or women's soccer, both of which pretty much every Big Sky school but MSU already has. The Mountain West also has gymnastics but I can't say I see that as a likely option. You bring up a good point though, which is that the MWC will likely want some input into which sports its new members participate in.

I think it’s a “no brainer” for MSU to add soccer. That is about as low cost to transition as you’d come by. The IPF, the fields, even the stadium could be easily used to host events and practice. Rugby? Lacrosse is already a power for the Cats, so we’re there in all actuality and could jump up fairly easily at this point.
It’s looking inevitable that the MSU and UM move up is going to be “a thing”… the question is when and where?

HOCKEY!!!!!?

Probably not even a thought. Can't play NCAA hockey at the Haynes Pavilion. 4 schools in the west play NCAA hockey. ASU, Air Force, Denver, Colorado College. Next closest are UND, Omaha, and Augustana.

[RockyBearCat]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

Would we need to add more sports just to join the MWC? Like Soccer or Baseball or something? Besides the increased female sport scholarships?

I believe they'd need to add at least one, as the NCAA recently instituted a rule that FBS programs must offer at least 16 NCAA-sanctioned sports. The current sports are:

Men: Football, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Tennis, Skiing (7 total)
Women: Volleyball, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (8 total)

Men's and women's rodeo should get Cats over the limit.

[MSU01]

Has anyone thought about the cost of adding the required number of sports to move to the FBS? Would the TV contract provide that funding? Or would that requirement be waived because it's just a football move?

The FBS is moving to a 105 roster limit funded at a level decided by the school. So, the scholarship number is an unknown, but a women's sport or two would need to be added.

The TV contract is an unknown. All the top viewership for the MWC left for the PAC. It would go down from it's current level,IMO.

The MWC would be for all sports.

Would we need to add more sports just to join the MWC? Like Soccer or Baseball or something? Besides the increased female sport scholarships?

I believe they'd need to add at least one, as the NCAA recently instituted a rule that FBS programs must offer at least 16 NCAA-sanctioned sports. The current sports are:

Men: Football, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Tennis, Skiing (7 total)
Women: Volleyball, XC, Indoor T&F, Outdoor T&F, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (8 total)

Men's and women's rodeo should get Cats over the limit.

Would they? I know rodeo has a close relationship with the Athletic Department but it's not an NCAA-sanctioned sport.

[Catprint]

New Articles from CBS Sports - Late Sunday. Pretty comprehensive and long. Here is synopsis

1) AAC teams like Memphis and Tulane are high on the list for Pac-12. But....

a) However, the proposed/suggested/hoped for Pac-12 Media deal is in the 10-12 million dollar range. Even if they get it, this is only marginally higher than the the AAC deal and the extra travel may eat up all the money.

b) Pac-12 looking for at least 10 teams

c) Memphis has it's eyes on the ACC and there is WAY more money and less travel costs. But when would this happen - 2 or 3 years?

d) Other options include South Florida, North Texas

e) Memphis holds all the cards at this point.

2)Mountain West may get raided one more time.

a) UNLV and Utah state to Pac-12. No need to take Nevada. They have often been in separate conferences. Not sure what they see in Utah State. Certainly, a very small TV market.

b) Air Force still under consideration with AAC so all three service academies are together.

c) This could put Mountain West at 4 full members and 1 football only member (Hawaii).

3) Mountain West existence is at risk.

a) The Mountain West media deals ends after 2025 season. What do they have to offer for a TV Deal? New Mexico vs Wyoming?

b) Maybe it implodes and the remaining teams go to Conference USA and AAC. No more MWC.

c) If MWC survives, a proposed conference (from the writer) could look like this..
Current Members: San Jose State, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming
Current Conference USA: Utep, New Mexico State
FCS Powerhouses: Montana, Montana State, NDSU, SDSU (may only take three or might need four because Hawaii is a football only member)


https://www.cbssports.com/college-footb ... r-futures/