Realignment Question

[CajunNation]

PAC is not done courting Memphis. They are hell bent to get Memphis basketball in the PAC. Eventually, I think they make an offer Memphis can't refuse. That alone will make either UTSA or Tulane take the jump as well.

The PAC will stop right there.

The question is do we pursue an AAC invite? To me, there is no question. The answer is yes. The AAC might not make sense to other SBC schools, but it makes the most sense for US.

Our peer institutions, budget and academic wise, are in the AAC. Our biggest alumni base outside of Louisiana is in Texas.

This is a decision that is best for our university long term.

[Cajuns1]

PAC is not done courting Memphis. They are hell bent to get Memphis basketball in the PAC. Eventually, I think they make an offer Memphis can't refuse. That alone will make either UTSA or Tulane take the jump as well.

The PAC will stop right there.

The question is do we pursue an AAC invite? To me, there is no question. The answer is yes. The AAC might not make sense to other SBC schools, but it makes the most sense for US.

Our peer institutions, budget and academic wise, are in the AAC. Our biggest alumni base outside of Louisiana is in Texas.

This is a decision that is best for our university long term.

Unfortunately, we don't have the market or the media following. But regardless, a lesson learned is to keep your future ambitions to yourself and proceed quietly. The last thing we need is egg on our face al la TXSU.

And while the media rights might be nice, I honestly prefer what we have in the SBC.

Tulsa, North Texas, FAU... they don't really move the needle for me. We FINALLY have a true rivalry in USM. I say we build on that.

[CajunVic]

realistic expectations are usually fulfilled

unrealistic expectations usually end with heartburn to those that are unrealistic

[CajunT]

PAC is not done courting Memphis. They are hell bent to get Memphis basketball in the PAC. Eventually, I think they make an offer Memphis can't refuse. That alone will make either UTSA or Tulane take the jump as well.

The PAC will stop right there.

The question is do we pursue an AAC invite? To me, there is no question. The answer is yes. The AAC might not make sense to other SBC schools, but it makes the most sense for US.

Our peer institutions, budget and academic wise, are in the AAC. Our biggest alumni base outside of Louisiana is in Texas.

This is a decision that is best for our university long term.

This is very simple to answer. If the legacy members media share remains the same, the answer is unequivocally no.

[CajunNation]

This is very simple to answer. If the legacy members media share remains the same, the answer is unequivocally no.

Last contract negotiations brought the 2 conferences closer together. The next will be even closer. There will be very little difference between the 2 going forward. Certainly not enough to warrant turning down an AAC invite.

The only reasons to say no at this point are if you hold no view at all about being shut out of a Texas based division, or you just don't believe that most of our academic and athletic peers are in the AAC.

[CajunT]

Last contract negotiations brought the 2 conferences closer together. The next will be even closer. There will be very little difference between the 2 going forward. Certainly not enough to warrant turning down an AAC invite.

The only reasons to say no at this point are if you hold no view at all about being shut out of a Texas based division, or you just don't believe that most of our academic and athletic peers are in the AAC.

Are you considering the exit fee for the SBC? I think you are projecting, and I don't see ESPN renegotiating the contract above the AAC's present media deal after losing Memphis and Tulane. They have all the leverage, it's not likely to happen. The AAC and the PAC 12 have no leverage at this time or in the new future.

For UL, the best situation is to keep building our program in the SBC because eventually we will all end up in larger configuration of the G5 Top 40 after reclassification.

[CajunNation]

Are you considering the exit fee for the SBC? I think you are projecting, and I don't see ESPN renegotiating the contract above the AAC's present media deal after losing Memphis and Tulane. They have all the leverage, it's not likely to happen. The AAC and the PAC 12 have no leverage at this time or in the new future.

For UL, the best situation is to keep building our program in the SBC because eventually we will all end up in larger configuration of the G5 Top 40 after reclassification.

Our only difference in opinion here is where we can build better.

[Turbine]

realistic expectations are usually fulfilled

unrealistic expectations usually end with heartburn to those that are unrealistic

Long term ROI is the far bigger factor to consider in making decisions.

Following realistic expectations would have meant that America was never discovered and the west coast was never settled in the manner it was.

As far as exit fees are concerned you look at that as a 20-year or longer investment.

[CajunT]

Our only difference in opinion here is where we can build better.

Judging from the amount of revenue UL is bringing in, I would say fan support on a number of levels has decided to sit this one out.

[CajunNation]

Reading all of the info out today, it seems that what is most expected to happen soon is PAC adding Memphis now, then adding another AAC next year due to timing of buyouts and stuff.

So, we may not have to face this question now, but we will soon. If AAC only loses Memphis, they will add Texas State immediately, and we would be the only school in our region with our size athletic budget NOT in the AAC.

[Big Tyme]

I am not sure if planning for the future is prudent in today's college athletic landscape. Get what you can, while you can.

[HoustonCajun]

Last contract negotiations brought the 2 conferences closer together. The next will be even closer. There will be very little difference between the 2 going forward. Certainly not enough to warrant turning down an AAC invite.

The only reasons to say no at this point are if you hold no view at all about being shut out of a Texas based division, or you just don't believe that most of our academic and athletic peers are in the AAC.

I am curious as to why Texas State is seen having a huge market to include Austin and San Antonio on the I 35 corridor while UL sits between Lake Charles and Baton Rouge on the I 10 corridor. Texas State has no more presence in those two cities than UL has in LC and BR. If addressed similarly, UL's market changes dramatically. And, UL is R1 while Texas State is R2.