MVC going to 12 with UIC and UTA?

[IllinoisState]

ISU wants Murray State.

https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2022-01 ... ?_amp=true

[tdawgs87]

I hope they get their wish.

[tdawgs87]

I think it’s all gonna work out and we’ll be very happy!

Are you guessing or have you heard something?

[MissouriValleyUnite]

I think it’s all gonna work out and we’ll be very happy!

Are you saying MVC fans will react like this when Jeff Jackson makes the announcement?

[All-MVC Fan]

Pieced together from a dozen conversations with people who might have some insight. I think we’re gonna be happy.

[tdawgs87]

Oh come on at least give an educated guess. What is the consensus on number of teams added?

[VUGrad1314]

Here's what I think is going on. I have no info but just reading the tea leaves from what has been gleaned from throughout the process.

I think the MVC was absolutely going in a markets-based direction at one point in this process and that point was prior to Loyola's departure to the A-10. Back when they were operating under the assumption that Loyola was sticking around with Belmont also in tow I think the MVC felt pretty good about its overall basketball strength and did not feel it necessary to make the basketball first play with Murray State. They probably felt like they could bet on a UTA or a UMKC and still be okay because of the quality the league had at the top. Jackson's comments about their being no set number for the MVC gave some hope that Murray State would also be involved and that would only make the market plays even more palatable because it would have meant even more quality at the top but of course it is no guarantee that Murray State would be invited in this scenario given the reported hesitancy on the part of the presidents for whatever reason. However, with Loyola's departure, the calculus changed fundamentally. The MVC has realized that without Loyola they are largely banking on what they hope Belmont can bring to the league which is a less safer bet than having Loyola's already established power alongside as we wait for Belmont to reach its potential. Now they feel like they have to go in a basketball centric direction in order for the league to stay in the position it currently enjoys. I don't think those rumors that the presidents were less hesitant on Murray State after Loyola's departure was announced were an accident. I think Murray State is definitely in now and it's possible they will be the only add to create a 20 game schedule as has been rumored. I think we're just waiting on an announcement with football for Murray State which will hopefully come shortly. Markets become less important when the success and viability of your league hangs in the balance and I think Loyola leaving definitely shifted the priorities likely in our (the fans') favor. Once the MVC establishes a new power base with hopefully Belmont Murray State and potentially others working out as planned then the league can go ahead and worry about adding markets to attract students and potentially grow the media deal by putting the product in front of more eyeballs. But right now we need to secure the league's future in the post-Loyola world and I think the presidents understand this. I would like to see the league if it is intent on expanding beyond 11 continue this trend by adding South Dakota State to add yet another consistent top 100 program that would also add elite women's basketball (like Belmont does) to the league. That would be a killer 12 team league that would be good TV for regional sports networks and would be a draw if we were to add a couple teams in big markets to get on more regional sports networks though of course with the potential success of those 12 teams that wouldn't even be necessary. Our product would speak for itself and we would get many more games on TV just because of who we already have.

[mvfcfan]

ISU wants Murray State.

https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2022-01 ... ?_amp=true

This article also basically states that ILSU is against adding UTA, which is a good thing. Several of us INSU folks have emailed our president asking her to vote no on UTA as well. The travel sucks for the fans and the student athletes.

[MiddleTnRacer]

From yesterday’s bustingbrackets.com:

“All rumors and reports indicate that Murray State is the front runner and likely to join the Valley. Most observers believe the Valley would prefer an even number of programs for basketball, so a second team would be likely to be a part of the conference in 2022.”

Hey SIU; you can keep running, but you’re not gonna hide from the Racers much longer. Can’t wait for Carbondale to replace Martin as our 2nd home court. See ya real soon Salukis.

[BCPanther]

The travel to UTA is easier than the travel to Terre Haute and Carbondale. Having to get on a plane does not make travel difficult.