MoVal Momentum

[Darth Sycamore]

Perhaps this has been brought up elsewhere, so apologies if so. Looking at the success that the Valley has been having, especially with additions of Murray State and Belmont, how would you continue to build momentum for the league if you were MVC commish?
*all this assuming the league can keep this momentum through the year and next few
**Missouri State can eat it if they want to go to CUSA, they’ll act like that’s a huge blow like Loyola, Wichita, or Creighton, but that’s comical

I have a few thoughts, especially since I lived through Elgin picking his nose when we got four teams (should’ve been 5) into the NCAA tournament in the mid-2000s.

1. Attempt to bring back the scheduling mandate in some way. Obviously I think that’s easier said than done with how difficult it is to get quality games when you’re a good mid-major
2. With the questionable state of the A-10 and rumors of VCU departure, alongside the basketball success we’re having currently, I’d make a pitch at Dayton and St. Louis. Likely a dead horse, but then you’re looking at a conference that gets multiple bids each year, and pushes the MWC in strength.
3. When the AAC renegotiates their deal, Wichita isn’t going to like how it’s divided without football payments. I’m in a minority, but I would gladly welcome them back with the biggest f***in grin on my face. They’d still be good for the MoVal.

All that said, what would you all like to see? How would you act? ROLL TREES BABY!

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Because they are not constrained by football, I attempt to create the "Big East of the Midwest." I think Gonzaga ultimately ends up in the Big East over the Big 12 as they just aren't a cultural fit for the Big 12.

With that, I do exactly as you mention with trying to pitch Dayton and Saint Louis. Split it into two divisions like the SEC and act before the Big East does because I think they probably will eventually ask Dayton to join but I don't think they'd ever want SLU over several of the other teams in the A10. Get to 14. If you want to push it even further, I wouldn't mind Wichita State coming back into the fold and then #16 could be whomever or they could eventually be a trade for Missouri State, who still seems to want FBS football badly for some odd reason.

Whatever is done, I do hope all schools are Midwestern schools and priority given to non-football schools so it is guaranteed the resources will be squarely in the basketball camp and it can actually turn us into a perennial multi-bid league.

 

[Darth Sycamore]

Because they are not constrained by football, I attempt to create the "Big East of the Midwest." I think Gonzaga ultimately ends up in the Big East over the Big 12 as they just aren't a cultural fit for the Big 12.

With that, I do exactly as you mention with trying to pitch Dayton and Saint Louis. Split it into two divisions like the SEC and act before the Big East does because I think they probably will eventually ask Dayton to join but I don't think they'd ever want SLU over several of the other teams in the A10. Get to 14. If you want to push it even further, I wouldn't mind Wichita State coming back into the fold and then #16 could be whomever or they could eventually be a trade for Missouri State, who still seems to want FBS football badly for some odd reason.

Whatever is done, I do hope all schools are Midwestern schools and priority given to non-football schools so it is guaranteed the resources will be squarely in the basketball camp and it can actually turn us into a perennial multi-bid league.

I’ll also add, it would be extremely beneficial to try and find a better TV contract. Not sure where it comes from as of right now, but we can and should do better than the ESPN+ at this point. Regardless, at least we aren’t the CAA and stuck with FloSports

 

[Jason Svoboda]

I’ll also add, it would be extremely beneficial to try and find a better TV contract. Not sure where it comes from as of right now, but we can and should do better than the ESPN+ at this point. Regardless, at least we aren’t the CAA and stuck with FloSports

Only way it happens is to add those large markets where customers have the demand to watch, which is why it is so crucial. Saint Louis, Dayton, Wichita are all Top 75 national media markets. I think we're in the last year of the 10 year deal with ESPN and I can't recall reading if they extended it since this Summer but I don't think they did.

 

[Darth Sycamore]

Only way it happens is to add those large markets where customers have the demand to watch, which is why it is so crucial. Saint Louis, Dayton, Wichita are all Top 75 national media markets. I think we're in the last year of the 10 year deal with ESPN and I can't recall reading if they extended it since this Summer but I don't think they did.

I believe you’re right. I know the MVFC just renewed, but I think MVC has yet to reach an extension, or at least announce it