Another Expansion/Realignment Thread

[ReZyNeZy]

D1 360 is honestly my go-to channel for information when relating to his topics. I am going to lean towards NKU a little bit because of the unproven nature of St. Thomas as a D1 school. I believe a perfect world is that the MVC decides to do a major expansion and pick up all 3 of the prime candidates, with Wright State being a potential pick-up if talks fall through with 1 of the schools. The era of small conferences has long passed. If you want to survive, you need to go big.

If this guy isn't already an analyst, his channel is a major resume boost for any network in the college sports sphere.

[MissouriValleyUnite]

Just started watching and I have goosebumps seeing those Arch Madness clips. Those first 2 minutes are just incredible story-telling.

Like Chuck A said, the MVC office must be loving it.

[VUGrad1314]

If Milwaukee is truly on the come up and we go to 14 I could get behind NKU Wright State Milwaukee and St Thomas. Markets geographic sense basketball quality. Only problem is the lack of direct flights from Iowa to Cincinnati or Dayton. UTA is a better add than I thought but I feel like they're going to go to the Southland and I don't like having someone that isolated. Needs a bridge.

[BCPanther]

Great stuff.

Makes me lean toward adding Arlington, UST and NKU. That throws a bone to UNI/Drake, a bone to the geographic center and a bone to everybody's alumni/growth market.

Matching the A10 at 14 might not be a terrible idea.

[IllinoisState]

I don't see the harm in sitting at 11 for a year or two. Things are changing very fast.

[ReZyNeZy]

I don't see the harm in sitting at 11 for a year or two. Things are changing very fast.

If you asked me this a week ago I would agree, but with the settlement of the court case and the new regulations, small conferences aren't going to have a fun time in the new era of athlete compensation. The conferences with size, reputation, and brand connections are going to pull through.

On an unrelated note, I could get behind Milwaukee, if not for the fact that Fiserv Forum is across the street and Panther Arena is practically on the campus of Marquette. I see issues of Marquette and Milwaukee scheduling games on the same day, and the question becomes "Why go to a panthers game"

[tribecalledquest]

On an unrelated note, I could get behind Milwaukee, if not for the fact that Fiserv Forum is across the street and Panther Arena is practically on the campus of Marquette. I see issues of Marquette and Milwaukee scheduling games on the same day, and the question becomes "Why go to a panthers game"

That's not a real concern in the city. Marquette people are Marquette people and MKE people are MKE people. They live in the same world pretty comfortably.

[VUGrad1314]

Love the potential of St Thomas as I have stated and that it helps the Iowa schools. Love NKU as they can grow into a program that's as good or better than Missouri State in basketball without football to eat up their budget (increased travel may be a concern for them though but it seems like they can handle it). UTA checks a lot of boxes and their 10 year KenPom numbers aren't that bad but I just hate the idea of such an outlier even with direct flights it's not like flights are cheap and if we're adding multiple schools that are a flight that's a decent boost to travel budgets. Plus while I could see Iowa fans getting up for St Thomas games and Valpo\UIC fans especially getting up for NKU games given their shared history I just don't know if anybody outside of the presidents' office is excited about UT-Arlington. I mean it's fine it's a growing school a growing market good academics decent enough basketball but man I really like the tight footprint here and understand that it will be expanded but just hope it's not by too terribly much unless the addition is worth it athletically.Does anyone think it's possible that Illinois State could bolt for the MAC? I doubt the MAC wants 13. I feel like the reason the MVC's move hasn't been quick is in part because of Illinois State but also it could be the HL Bylaws if NKU is still playing events. Even with the market duplication I like the idea of Wright State and NKU as a combo since it gives a travel partner for the trip to Ohio\Northern Kentucky which is a good thing but I think the best play right now is just NKU for 12 if we expand. I could warm to 14 though with the right adds (I think someone mentioned St Thomas can't come right now and the hockey thing is indeed a huge concern). I'd go:

NKU now (especially if St Thomas can't right now)

St Thomas and Wright State\Milwaukee later

And the other one of those two if and when Illinois State leaves.

[IllinoisState]

AT this point I hope we don't move up. People talking about it being more when and not if and even a few people mentioning the C-USA isn't something I want to hear.

[BCPanther]

Love the potential of St Thomas as I have stated and that it helps the Iowa schools. Love NKU as they can grow into a program that's as good or better than Missouri State in basketball without football to eat up their budget (increased travel may be a concern for them though but it seems like they can handle it). UTA checks a lot of boxes and their 10 year KenPom numbers aren't that bad but I just hate the idea of such an outlier even with direct flights it's not like flights are cheap and if we're adding multiple schools that are a flight that's a decent boost to travel budgets. Plus while I could see Iowa fans getting up for St Thomas games and Valpo\UIC fans especially getting up for NKU games given their shared history I just don't know if anybody outside of the presidents' office is excited about UT-Arlington. I mean it's fine it's a growing school a growing market good academics decent enough basketball but man I really like the tight footprint here and understand that it will be expanded but just hope it's not by too terribly much unless the addition is worth it athletically.Does anyone think it's possible that Illinois State could bolt for the MAC? I doubt the MAC wants 13. I feel like the reason the MVC's move hasn't been quick is in part because of Illinois State but also it could be the HL Bylaws if NKU is still playing events. Even with the market duplication I like the idea of Wright State and NKU as a combo since it gives a travel partner for the trip to Ohio\Northern Kentucky which is a good thing but I think the best play right now is just NKU for 12 if we expand. I could warm to 14 though with the right adds (I think someone mentioned St Thomas can't come right now and the hockey thing is indeed a huge concern). I'd go:

NKU now (especially if St Thomas can't right now)

St Thomas and Wright State\Milwaukee later

And the other one of those two if and when Illinois State leaves.

I'd be pretty surprised if Illinois State moves up unless the MVFC implodes. I think the MAC would go after Western Kentucky if they decide 13 doesn't work but with their 'unique' football scheduling and only playing 8 league games, 13 can work pretty easily for them.