Summary of Benson interview

[TheMoody1]

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20 ... ck_check=1


TV CONTRACT - The Sun Belt has been informed its 2013-14 TV contract with ESPN will be honored as currently written, despite recent member losses.
Renegotiation is expected for 2014 and beyond, but Benson suggested he anticipates no drop in the deal’s value. Rather, he remains hopeful it will increase.

* BOWL TIES - There is a possibility the Sun Belt will have four bowl tie-ins for 2014.
Benson said Wednesday that negotiations are ongoing with an existing bowl for a 2013 tie-in, and he acknowledged discussions among community business leaders regarding creation of a bowl in Little Rock in 2014.
If the Arkansas new bowl is added, the SBC could negotiate a tie-in with it as well.
“That,” Benson said, “has a real, real distinct possibility of materializing.”

* WKU’S EXIT - While Western Kentucky wasn’t mentioned by name, its rumored departure for C-USA were discussed by presidents in a meeting last month in the context of “contingency plans.” With WKU at the table, Benson called the talks “awkward.”
He also said the Hilltoppers’ invite from, and application to, C-USA came only after that meeting.

[HeffnerIV]

I think the possibility of having 4+ members playing in a bowl each year will do the most for national perception (other than having actual NC contenders). Their Tuesday/Wednesday Night nationally televised games in empty stadiums actually sets the conference back.