Belmont to Missouri Valley

[Mikovio]

The Valley should add the teams with the best outlook that are geographically feasible. There was talk about catering to Wichita by admitting ORU or UMKC and having the tournament in KC. The Shockers would’ve left anyway and we’d have been stuck in a worse place. We’re building an elite midmajor basketball league poised to make millions via NCAA bids and TV deals to the benefit of all members. If MSU would rather go to the Sun Belt or CUSA with less basketball revenue and more football expenses the Valley should wish them luck. The grass isn’t always greener. This isn’t to say that UTA and UALR are bad options, but they should be judged on their own merits.

[RacerJoeD]

You could ask Western Kentucky or Middle Tennessee State how a move like that works

[VUGrad1314]

You could ask Western Kentucky or Middle Tennessee State how a move like that works

Speaking of football moves how is finding a place to park your school's football program going so we can get on with getting you into the MVC (assuming football is indeed the holdup)? Have you heard anything new? Either on football or in general? Is the holdup actually something other than football?

[RacerJoeD]

I have heard that we should hear something next week (homecoming) but have no clue if that’s true. It’s silent over here. Has anyone else heard anything about meetings?

[BCPanther]

Had a chance to talk to some folks at the UNI Football game today.

SIU is still real weary apparently and, as we suspected, football is a big problem. The OVC is a hard no on letting them keep the program there. The Southland isn't interested. The SoCon would take them but they want a 10 year commitment. It's a mess. The Dakotas will vote to let them in but nobody wants to re-do league schedules and we're scheduled through 2025.

Currently discussing helping them schedule as an FCS independent for a few years. Should be able to get them some games with the MVFC, the Pioneer and the Big Sky but it's a question if they can get a full 11 that way and they, obviously, don't want to sacrifice their football program.

Hoping for some kind of resolution by Thanksgiving.

[VUGrad1314]

Do you get the sense that SIU will block or that their objections will prove decisive? I am shocked to hear that the OVC is willing to risk their autobid on sour grapes and hurt feelings. I'm guessing based on your statement that simply trading WIU and Murray State is not on the table then. So be it. The SoCon is a good league and landing spot for them I don't see how or why the ten year commitment will be a stumbling block. Let's throw in a conference challenge with them or some kind of scheduling agreement for their help and goodwill and let's get this done!

[letsgoAces]

I don't get why, providing that this is true, the objection coming from SIU? It just doesn't make sense. First, how does one school stop MSU from joining? Please spare me "sharing the same market" jargon...that market is so fragmented it does not take a genius to figure that out. Murray State makes the MVC a much more robust league where we all benefit. Obviously, as most of us knew already, it is where Murray lands their football program. The 10 year commitment does not sound like a bad deal to me...providing that this is a true proposal. i still believe the Racers will get in and will continue to until I hear differently from the league office or MSU themselves.

[BCPanther]

Do you get the sense that SIU will block or that their objections will prove decisive? I am shocked to hear that the OVC is willing to risk their autobid on sour grapes and hurt feelings. I'm guessing based on your statement that simply trading WIU and Murray State is not on the table then. So be it. The SoCon is a good league and landing spot for them I don't see how or why the ten year commitment will be a stumbling block. Let's throw in a conference challenge with them or some kind of scheduling agreement for their help and goodwill and let's get this done!

The sense I got is that they aren't doing an invite unless everybody is on board and SIU isn't there right now. Plus, SIU doesn't have a permanent AD right now so that's an issue too.

WIU is happy in the Summit. Plus, they aren't going to go to the OVC when they don't know what that league is going to look like in 5 years. They're travel partners with St Thomas now which actually isn't awful.

My gut, and this isn't from the people I trust, is that the MVFC would vote them in to start play in the league for 2024. That allows the league to get through the next two year scheduling rotation and is far enough out where institutional calendars (Homecoming, Family Weekends) aren't set yet. Play 3 years with 11 and bring them in for 24-25.

All said, the ball rests with SIU.

[VUGrad1314]

Then with all due respect (and it is a lot as SIU has one of the deepest and richest traditions of any school in the MVC and was one of the reasons I was excited to see Valpo join) SIU really needs to get over themselves and get with the program if they're the only holdout school. They need to put their petty differences and rivalry with Murray State aside to allow the conference to grow. If Texas A&M can allow Texas into the SEC SIU can allow Murray State in the MVC. The rivalry thing holds no water anymore if one side of one of the fiercest most heated and prominent rivalries in college sports can put that aside and allow the other side into their conference because it's better for all concerned. SIU should do the same. I know that's easy for me to say as the school I root for isn't facing the many challenges SIU is facing which Murray State's inclusion might very well add to but still. The MVC is a better league with Murray State than it is without them and I hope SIU will eventually see that and allow them in.

[letsgoAces]

We all have our different views, and that is what makes fans boards so enjoyable. But it would seem Murray State is plenty motivated to get into the Valley - NOW. They don't want to be a lame duck in a league they don't want to be in, and the resentment that will come from the league office and member schools. If the Racers are indeed being offered a bid to the SoCon ( which I am not convinced they are) but need a 10 year commitment is a no-brainer of a choice.