Big east media agreement negotiations

[xudash]

Cannot exaggerate how important this topic is for Xavier's immediate future.

Some inkling as to where it's headed from the Boneyard board by way of HOLYLANDOFHOOPS:

https://the-boneyard.com/attachments/img_0505-jpeg.97685/

Certainly love that the relationship between Fox and the Big East is "among the strongest in the business" and that Fox will have more windows to fill as a result of the Pac-12's demise.

I just thought we could use this thread to track developments with this important topic as things now begin to unfold with it through the course of this year.

[xudash]

BTW, another very important component of all of this has to do with the MSG contract. News is coming out that the contract with MSG for the BET has been extended through 2032.

That is just huge.

AND here it is:

https://www.bigeast.com/news/2024/3/15/mens-basketball-big-east-madison-square-garden-extend-partnership-through-2032.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2dPPGbx5Sq6fJsiHOn82LzZ_haL7L kH3hh90ApA_JqLDacehnjTCALVrE

[sirthought]

It would be smart if they could get a third media partner with the potential for more over-the-air broadcast options. If NBC or CW would be a possibility (with something like Peacock or Paramount+ as the streaming option) that would really provide growth opportunities.

Things like FS2, CBSSN, ESPNU...these are all the outlets we are wanting to see less of because the ratings numbers, even if it's a great matchup, are just much lower than on tier 1 and 2 networks. Hardcore fans will watch, but casual fans never see those games.

Competition is obviously highest for getting your games on the main networks of CBS and FOX and ESPN, then second tier of ESPN2, FS1, and CW. But outlets like Amazon, Apple, MAX, Paramount+ and Peacock are all vying to get more subscribers using their service. If NBC wants a piece of the college hoops faithful, they are going to have to dangle some games on the main network, which is going to be good for someone down the road.

If the Big East can get more games committed on CBS and FOX and maintain of their position on FS1 they are doing well. Slots are going to be shifting towards more Big 10 and Big 12 programing on FS1, so Xavier fans will likely be changing channels more often in a year or two.

[paulxu]

Compare and contrast: Bernie....Val

[D-West & PO-Z]

It would be smart if they could get a third media partner with the potential for more over-the-air broadcast options. If NBC or CW would be a possibility (with something like Peacock or Paramount+ as the streaming option) that would really provide growth opportunities.

Things like FS2, CBSSN, ESPNU...these are all the outlets we are wanting to see less of because the ratings numbers, even if it's a great matchup, are just much lower than on tier 1 and 2 networks. Hardcore fans will watch, but casual fans never see those games.

Competition is obviously highest for getting your games on the main networks of CBS and FOX and ESPN, then second tier of ESPN2, FS1, and CW. But outlets like Amazon, Apple, MAX, Paramount+ and Peacock are all vying to get more subscribers using their service. If NBC wants a piece of the college hoops faithful, they are going to have to dangle some games on the main network, which is going to be good for someone down the road.

If the Big East can get more games committed on CBS and FOX and maintain of their position on FS1 they are doing well. Slots are going to be shifting towards more Big 10 and Big 12 programing on FS1, so Xavier fans will likely be changing channels more often in a year or two.

I don’t see any streaming option getting better numbers than FS1 or FS2

[MHettel]

I don’t see any streaming option getting better numbers than FS1 or FS2

The pac 12 commish brought a deal to his membership that was largely a streaming deal with apple.

It’s now the PAC 2.

[D-West & PO-Z]

The pac 12 commish brought a deal to his membership that was largely a streaming deal with apple.

It’s now the PAC 2.

Yep.

Speaking of that, is the Pac really going to be a thing next year with just 2 teams??

[MHettel]

Yep.

Speaking of that, is the Pac really going to be a thing next year with just 2 teams??

They are football members of the mountain west and bball members of the WCC for next year. No plans beyond that

[JTG]

I don’t see any streaming option getting better numbers than FS1 or FS2

Does anyone even know how to access the CW? That would be a terrible move.

[XUBison]

They are football members of the mountain west and bball members of the WCC for next year. No plans beyond that

FWIW, I think they have scheduling agreements with the MW and WCC, but are technically clinging to PAC-whatever membership.

[XUBison]

Does anyone even know how to access the CW? That would be a terrible move.

It seems to me, the only reasons to pursue a third carrier are because FOX and CBS aren’t going to show all BE games, or because the BE is seeking an additional level of exposure. Assuming the former, then the BE will partner with the best option available to fill the gap. If the latter, I would assume the BE is looking to partner with either ESPN/ABC or NBC/Peacock.; Maybe Amazon or Apple, if the price is right. I’m not sure there’s anything else out there that would *enhance* exposure.

[xudash]

FWIW, I think they have scheduling agreements with the MW and WCC, but are technically clinging to PAC-whatever membership.

I haven’t looked at it, but I think you have to be right. The entity has a balance sheet with a large cash position as I understand it. I doubt that it is in their best interests for a number of reasons to dissolve it at this point.

[MHettel]

I haven’t looked at it, but I think you have to be right. The entity has a balance sheet with a large cash position as I understand it. I doubt that it is in their best interests for a number of reasons to dissolve it at this point.

The PAC 2 teams have a lot of money as part of their settlement with the departing schools. The idea is that the PAC “#” has some branding value, so they hope to add to it. Could ultimately ending just “merging” with the MWC.

Not too different that the BE reconfiguration from 10 years ago, where over half the teams left and they reconstituted it.

Football agreement with MWC is scheduling only. Doesn’t count for standings. My sense is the agreement with the basketball is that they can compete to win the conference and tourney

[XU_Lou]

This is certainly great news:

Saturday’s @BIGEASTMBB Championship scored 1,676,000 viewers on FOX - the most watched BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Final in network history 🏀

The 2024 Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament was the most-watched in FOX Sports history - averaging 577,000 and up +61% year-over-year ⛹️*♂️

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsPR/status/1770105081502790018

[JTG]

I haven’t looked at it, but I think you have to be right. The entity has a balance sheet with a large cash position as I understand it. I doubt that it is in their best interests for a number of reasons to dissolve it at this point.

Wouldn't they need to stay a legal entity to collect the exit fees? ?

[JTG]

This is certainly great news:

Saturday’s @BIGEASTMBB Championship scored 1,676,000 viewers on FOX - the most watched BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Final in network history ��

The 2024 Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament was the most-watched in FOX Sports history - averaging 577,000 and up +61% year-over-year ⛹️*♂️

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsPR/status/1770105081502790018

Wow, good news indeed.

[xudash]

Wouldn't they need to stay a legal entity to collect the exit fees? ?

Exactly. That was my point. The "Pac-12" has assets, it's just that the other reality is that the Pac-12 entity now only has 2 members. I'm not sure about MHETTEL's point about being able to compete for another conference's basketball championship, unless the NCAA granted them a waiver in order to do that.

Perhaps the Pac-12 entity has been put into suspension for purposes of competition, even though it continues to hold economic value. I don't know, and I don't care enough about either program to look it up.

[MHettel]

Exactly. That was my point. The "Pac-12" has assets, it's just that the other reality is that the Pac-12 entity now only has 2 members. I'm not sure about MHETTEL's point about being able to compete for another conference's basketball championship, unless the NCAA granted them a waiver in order to do that.

Perhaps the Pac-12 entity has been put into suspension for purposes of competition, even though it continues to hold economic value. I don't know, and I don't care enough about either program to look it up.

There is an article I found. It’s not perfectly clear like I said earlier. I took this blurb…..

WSU AD Pat Chun….”the WCC allows an opportunity for our 10 teams to have access to championships and well as high level competition.”

OSU AD….”guarantees that our atheletes …can continue to compete for conference and national championships”

So…..

[MHettel]

There is an article I found. It’s not perfectly clear like I said earlier. I took this blurb…..

WSU AD Pat Chun….”the WCC allows an opportunity for our 10 teams to have access to championships and well as high level competition.”

OSU AD….”guarantees that our atheletes …can continue to compete for conference and national championships”

So…..

I totally also just noticed that is says they will be eligible for the conference championships and can earn the auto bid. So no interpretation required

[Masterofreality]

FWIW, I think they have scheduling agreements with the MW and WCC, but are technically clinging to PAC-whatever membership.

Know why? Besides the aforementioned..
By retaining the “PAC 12” those 2 schools retain all the NCAA credits earned over the years until they are all paid out.
Just like when Xavier left the A10, those credits stayed behind and split between the remaining schools.