Realignment Question

[ColaCajun]

That is your perception of the SBC. Being an ESPN property has significantly increased the value and reputation of the SBC.

We alternate with the AAC as the best of the rest leagues.

I do not disagree that the PAC would be a good move if it included Memphis, Tulane, UL and UTSA/TxSt.

But that is only if we can park our spring sports in the Big 12. The MWC/PAC would be a huge drop off for baseball and softball.

Don't disagree with you in regards of a slightly weaker Baseball/Softball and we all know the value of both of those sports here at UL. I'd argue that Fresno State, SDSU and Oregon State Baseball/Softball are very strong conference opponents. But the real question is that are you willing going to sacrifice a better move for the university and athletics department as a whole at the expense of Baseball and Softball? Not trying to trash our diamond sports, but in the overall dynamic of college athletics, Football and Men's Basketball are revenue generating sports. Maybe not here specifically, but not joining if offered and letting the opportunity pass would not be great for UL down the road.

I hate the way college athletics is going now especially with Conference Realignment. There absolutely needs to be regional based leagues. There are enough schools in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee to do that; however that's wishful thinking. I remember how devastating it was to be passed up in 2012 when CUSA gobbled up SBC schools. Even though SBC is 10x better than CUSA is now, perception is a big deal and at the time, it felt like we simply weren't good enough. If things continue to realign like they are, I don't think the SBC will be as strong in the future as it is now in any sport. It would be an adjustment moving to the PAC, but it's time to adjust or get left behind and I'm tired of feeling left behind.

[cajun4life]

Don't disagree with you in regards of a slightly weaker Baseball/Softball and we all know the value of both of those sports here at UL. I'd argue that Fresno State, SDSU and Oregon State Baseball/Softball are very strong conference opponents. But the real question is that are you willing going to sacrifice a better move for the university and athletics department as a whole at the expense of Baseball and Softball? Not trying to trash our diamond sports, but in the overall dynamic of college athletics, Football and Men's Basketball are revenue generating sports. Maybe not here specifically, but not joining if offered and letting the opportunity pass would not be great for UL down the road.

I hate the way college athletics is going now especially with Conference Realignment. There absolutely needs to be regional based leagues. There are enough schools in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee to do that; however that's wishful thinking. I remember how devastating it was to be passed up in 2012 when CUSA gobbled up SBC schools. Even though SBC is 10x better than CUSA is now, perception is a big deal and at the time, it felt like we simply weren't good enough. If things continue to realign like they are, I don't think the SBC will be as strong in the future as it is now in any sport. It would be an adjustment moving to the PAC, but it's time to adjust or get left behind and I'm tired of feeling left behind.

No you don’t sacrifice it. But you make every single effort to park the spring sports in the Big 12 because then you already have a foot in the door.

Plus our spring sports would actually strengthen the Big 12. Our facilities are already sufficient for the Big 12.

[Turbine]

do posters here really think that Dr. Maggard is not considering everything posted here and is not working as diligently as he can, within the financial constraint's he is under, to get any of this done if there is a reasonable and practical avenue to get it done?

. . . serious answers only . . .

Your serious answer can be found by reviewing his participation in letting the basketball program slide into oblivian while presenting inaccurate numbers to prop it up.

[Turbine]

That is your perception of the SBC. Being an ESPN property has significantly increased the value and reputation of the SBC.

We alternate with the AAC as the best of the rest leagues.

I do not disagree that the PAC would be a good move if it included Memphis, Tulane, UL and UTSA/TxSt.

But that is only if we can park our spring sports in the Big 12. The MWC/PAC would be a huge drop off for baseball and softball.

My perception of the SBC is a little lower than his.

It would take a decade of maintaining these positives to change my perceptions.

For outsiders it will take longer.

jmo

[ColaCajun]

No you don’t sacrifice it. But you make every single effort to park the spring sports in the Big 12 because then you already have a foot in the door.

Plus our spring sports would actually strengthen the Big 12. Our facilities are already sufficient for the Big 12.

If we wanted to join the Big 12 in Baseball and Softball only, we'd already be there. I know it sounds great joining the Big 12 in Baseball and Softball, it would absolutely never happen.

[tdncz]

My perception of the SBC is a little lower than his.

It would take a decade of maintaining these positives to change my perceptions.

For outsiders it will take longer.

jmo

100% Agree.
Unfortuantely, Perception is 4/5 of the argument on this.

[HoustonCajun]

That is your perception of the SBC. Being an ESPN property has significantly increased the value and reputation of the SBC.

We alternate with the AAC as the best of the rest leagues.

I do not disagree that the PAC would be a good move if it included Memphis, Tulane, UL and UTSA/TxSt.

But that is only if we can park our spring sports in the Big 12. The MWC/PAC would be a huge drop off for baseball and softball.

A significant increase in value is bringing UL $2M a year instead of $500K (think those are correct numbers)? Hardly significant. Isn't the AAC getting $7M+ and the PAC even more?

[Big Buds]

A significant increase in value is bringing UL $2M a year instead of $500K (think those are correct numbers)? Hardly significant. Isn't the AAC getting $7M+ and the PAC even more?

SBC is around $2.5/year. AAC is $7/year for the legacy programs only. For example, North Texas is getting roughly $2.5/year.

[covcaj]

A significant increase in value is bringing UL $2M a year instead of $500K (think those are correct numbers)? Hardly significant. Isn't the AAC getting $7M+ and the PAC even more?

PAC is TBD

[RaginCajun77]

PAC is TBD

This is why any discussion about a jump to the PAC is difficult, especially for Eastern teams. Make a move and the PAC has a poor media rights deal and you're stuck with the travel costs of going west and egg on your face.

[covcaj]

This is why any discussion about a jump to the PAC is difficult, especially for Eastern teams. Make a move and the PAC has a poor media rights deal and you're stuck with the travel costs of going west and egg on your face.

Easy for a Boise to jump. Travel costs are the same, and the announced PAC teams are at least half a step up from the MWC. But, considerably more expense and travel time away from school for athletes for a school in the central time zone.

[CajunT]

A significant increase in value is bringing UL $2M a year instead of $500K (think those are correct numbers)? Hardly significant. Isn't the AAC getting $7M+ and the PAC even more?

UL's current media share is right at $2.5M. There is no $7M or more on the table from ESPN to the PAC 12. That is strictly rumor and projection. This is why a number programs including Tulane walked away from any discussion because they have nothing to offer on contract.