No thanks.

Not the first time they have talked to us , if indeed they have again.

Wasn't the reason App stayed in the Sun Belt was because of the travel expenses in the AAC as well as the tv revenue not covering that cost? I believe someone said that the Sunbelt tv money and reduced travel actually made App more money by staying?

I know it's just some journalist writing yet another hypothetical article, but if this were to happen, I'd be pretty upset. There is not a thing about joining AAC that excites me as a fan. Also, given the fact recent big name schools left or are leaving, and other current or soon to be successful programs will leave too, I'd say competition in Sun Belt is just as good as AAC.

Since initially joining the Sun Belt, look how many regional schools have been added for App. Has helped reduce travel cost, increased attendance at games, probably for all regional schools. Not that the conference only thought of App when expanding this way, but we've got it made at the moment.

The entire Sunbelt East has it made at the moment... The Sunbelt West does too... Someday the Sunbelt may be a two division super conference. Nine teams on each side; 18 teams total...

Stonewall wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 07, 2023 9:00 am

Not the first time they have talked to us , if indeed they have again.

Exactly. And we are staying out unless ESPN alters the contracts again to make it worth it.

New AAC schools are making basically the same as us so it doesn't make sense to move. Now, if the mouse ups that dollar amount, it may be worth looking at. As of right now, it's not worth it.

The only reasons I'd be interested in the AAC are ECU, maybe Navy, and, to a MUCH lesser extent, Charlotte.

There are other programs in there that I like and respect--Memphis, Tulane, UAB, UTSA--but they're too far away.

And at this point, I wouldn't be willing to trade the SBC for the chance to play any of those programs.

I'm hoping that the AAC and SBC media deals will reach a level of parity in which it makes sense to take another step toward regional realignment, with the eastern SBC and AAC teams coalescing into a conference, and the western SBC and AAC teams doing the same.

[Yosef looks around and strokes his beard]. Nah. I’m good.

No for me dog.

RaleighApp27609 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 07, 2023 9:08 am

Wasn't the reason App stayed in the Sun Belt was because of the travel expenses in the AAC as well as the tv revenue not covering that cost? I believe someone said that the Sunbelt tv money and reduced travel actually made App more money by staying?

You think we'd spend $4+ million in travel costs?

I'd love to see how App could compete with P5 type revenues, but that said the only way we ever get to a conference like that is with a relegation type system.

Under the current system being in a P5 isn't aligned with the direction of our university. We are a broad liberal arts school that focuses on undergraduate education not research. So in a way athletically and academically we're comfortable in the niche we've found for ourselves.

Chasing research, the shiny car, or the worst house in a nice neighborhood it's aligned with who Mountaineers are.

I'd like to be aligned with schools that are solid programs, smack talk a little, and would invite you to their tailgate before and after the game. For the most part we've found those in the SBC.

AppStateNews wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 07, 2023 10:36 am

Stonewall wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 07, 2023 9:00 am

Not the first time they have talked to us , if indeed they have again.

Exactly. And we are staying out unless ESPN alters the contracts again to make it worth it.

New AAC schools are making basically the same as us so it doesn't make sense to move. Now, if the mouse ups that dollar amount, it may be worth looking at. As of right now, it's not worth it.

Exactly. Zero interest to go there. Gillin would be crazy to consider it. I firmly believe this is just a writer listing schools for clicks.

appchicago wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 07, 2023 10:36 am

The only reasons I'd be interested in the AAC are ECU, maybe Navy, and, to a MUCH lesser extent, Charlotte.

There are other programs in there that I like and respect--Memphis, Tulane, UAB, UTSA--but they're too far away.

And at this point, I wouldn't be willing to trade the SBC for the chance to play any of those programs.

I'm hoping that the AAC and SBC media deals will reach a level of parity in which it makes sense to take another step toward regional realignment, with the eastern SBC and AAC teams coalescing into a conference, and the western SBC and AAC teams doing the same.

Really not worth leaving for just one school. More are likely to leave the AAC. The smartest move would be for ECU to join the Sun Belt.

In all fairness the Sun Belt east is the best division in G5 football. Heck our division is better than some G5 conferences as a whole!! Not to mention the fact that you have Troy, UL & USM & USA in the west! We have a perfect home in the Sun Belt.

Aresco's CUSA 2.0 is in denial regarding their relevance. Army and Navy together would be good, but then what do you have? Memphis will take the first train out. I'd rather wait and see what happens when the ACC dam breaks and the leftovers are wondering what in the world happened. The strong programs and regional rivalries of the Sunbelt will look really good to a lot of folks after the dust settles.

Oh, NOW they want us.

Tempting to have two in-state rivals, but that conference isn't what it was 3 years ago. Offer ECU a spot to be a 'Belter would be better business.

RadioNeer98 wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 07, 2023 11:36 am

In all fairness the Sun Belt east is the best division in G5 football. Heck our division is better than some G5 conferences as a whole!! Not to mention the fact that you have Troy, UL & USM & USA in the west! We have a perfect home in the Sun Belt.

The Sun Belt west is extremely unappealing though. Wish Sun Belt could swap most of them for Memphis, Tulane, UAB.

Agree with people that a mixture of the two leagues could be really fun.

I could not imagine the App administration would be interested in the AAC given how hard they worked to bring in schools in the last expansion. We have always sought a conference with regional rivals and we have achieved that. No way we walk away from that.

My guess is it depends on the money.