In order for the WAC to be an FBS league:

Must have a minimum of eight full time all-sports members willing to add FBS FB. ( ASUN4 would have to join as FULL members very soon.).

Those eight must each individually meet ALL the requirements to qualify for FBS status (full scholarships for FB (85) AND a total of 16 or more sports. FBS scheduling regulations would have to be met including home non-conf. FBS opponents. There are MORE regulations for FBS designation that I am leaving out.

The WAC itself would NOT obtain FBS status till all eight obtain FBS status.

******************************************************************************************

BUT BEFORE ALL THAT-- leaders of the new league would have to be assured they would be part of the CFP membership. Without that MONEY and ACCESS they would not even start an attempt-- PLEASE see next post.

Additionally-- how is the proposed 1-A WAC going to find/keep 8 members who have the desire, MONEY, and facilities for such a move?? G5 leagues will soon add 2-4 of the strongest schools out of that group leaving them with only 4-6 teams able to afford FBS.

(11-25-2022 05:36 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-24-2022 12:45 PM)MattBrownEP Wrote:  

(11-24-2022 12:22 AM)Tmac13 Wrote:  As far as getting a small piece of the CFP pie? That isn't absolutely necessary, and even a small FBS media deal dwarfs anything that can be earned in FCS.

FWIW, ADs and conference leaders in the WAC and ASUN have specifically told me that it IS necessary. It's why New Mexico State took the Conference USA invite that they didn't really actually want. That money is going to be a bigger payout than TV, and given how much costs increase at FBS, it is completely impossible to move up without it.

"It is completely IMPOSSIBLE to move up without it [CFP money]"-- NO that is not TOPSTRAIGHT'S opinion.

This conclusion came from talking to AD's and leaders in the WAC and ASUN--- yet some posters here try to DENY or IGNORE this fact.

BUT-- go ahead and keep telling these incomplete "supposings"-- after all you must know more than your OWN AD's.

(11-25-2022 10:55 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 10:20 PM)unalions Wrote:  WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton has worked at the NCAA National Office within the past few years before he took this job last November. I’m sure he’s in-the-know about what’s possible and what’s not.

The NCAA has ZERO control over the CFP Administration.

CFP is a private LLC company and has very little obligation to the NCAA.

[Google: CFP Governance- College Football Playoff--- to see all the information.]**

Without CFP access or MONEY-- No school would move to FBS-- they simply would not have the necessary yearly income stream to survive in FBS.

**I'm NOT asking you to take my word for these facts-- do the research.

(11-25-2022 05:42 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  If they (new WAC) are not part of the CFP contract, they DON'T get anything. ZERO money. Once the deal is done and signed, a new conference can't insist on being a part. And these are LONG term contracts.

(12-03-2022 10:18 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  

(11-25-2022 05:42 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  If they (new WAC) are not part of the CFP contract, they DON'T get anything. ZERO money. Once the deal is done and signed, a new conference can't insist on being a part. And these are LONG term contracts.

I guess my question is what makes you think the WAC commissioner is not involved in those talks, especially, as Matt said, he is fully aware you need CFP funding.

I'm sure the WAC commish IS involved in some "talks". But he can't change the CFP. It never hurts to talk and try. A WAC fcs league is a great idea.

IMO the SFA coach and AP AD are "positioning". They know the G5 will add someone and THEY (squeaky wheel) want to be THE ONES included.

Everything in this post is just my opinion-- except for one thing: The WAC commish can't change the CFP.

Lol

(12-03-2022 10:36 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  I'm sure the WAC commish IS involved in some "talks". But he can't change the CFP. It never hurts to talk and try. A WAC fcs league is a great idea.

IMO the SFA coach and AP AD are "positioning". They know the G5 will add someone and THEY (squeaky wheel) want to be included.

Everything in this post is just my opinion-- except for one thing: The WAC commish can't change the CFP.

True. But he can try to make sure the WAC, if it comes to fluition, is part of the new contract for '26.

That would be difficult-- but technically is possible.

What's in it for the other eleven CFP members ? (not being rude-honest Q)

(12-03-2022 11:06 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  That would be difficult-- but technically is possible.

What's in it for the other eleven CFP members ? (not being rude-honest Q)

No idea, but that is when the window is open for the new contract.

(12-03-2022 10:43 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(12-03-2022 10:36 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  I'm sure the WAC commish IS involved in some "talks". But he can't change the CFP. It never hurts to talk and try. A WAC fcs league is a great idea.

IMO the SFA coach and AP AD are "positioning". They know the G5 will add someone and THEY (squeaky wheel) want to be included.

Everything in this post is just my opinion-- except for one thing: The WAC commish can't change the CFP.

True. But he can try to make sure the WAC, if it comes to fluition, is part of the new contract for '26.

That is the Key... 2026, even if the WAC is not at the FBS level by 2026, they mist be included in the new deal.

Planning now and positioning the conference to be ready by 2026 or shortly thereafter is a way for the WAC to participate in that future contract... JMO!

(12-03-2022 11:06 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  That would be difficult-- but technically is possible.

What's in it for the other eleven CFP members ? (not being rude-honest Q)

I have heard that an expanded playoffs to 12 teams would generate over 10x the current money generated...

So with that in mind, maybe they don't care if FBS has another conference or two.

And FWIW, nobody thinks you are being rude, but saying something is impossible when you are talking about people who (commissioners, conference lawyers and school ADs) know a lot more about what's going on than anyone on message boards, including Matt Brown, whom I respect, isn't a great way to have a discussion... We are not dumb, yes we know it's a long shot, but I also remember a lot of people saying there is no way anyone from another FCS conference would join the ASUN, and here we are...

Quote:KSU is a large well known school in Atlanta. Remember KSU is a popular school within its own state than KSU is within its on state.

You are missing several points here.

1. That may be true, but Georgia's a larger state. EKU and KSU's enrollments as a percentage of their state's populations are actually pretty similar, but that's not even really my point...

2. Louisville is a city borderline large enough for major league sports. It's really barely on the outside of that line, and it's larger than a few cities that do have major league teams, but it doesn't have any of its own. There's no competition here. College sports is *everything* to the sports consumer in this city and this state, and you can't say that in Atlanta. There's a lot more going on.

3. Also, back to the idea of EKU and WKU together, which combined have an enrollment over 30,000, and pre-pandemic they were near a combined 40,000, both with heavy alumni bases in Louisville. That's significant.

Quote:What's in it for the other eleven CFP members ? (not being rude-honest Q)

I don't think that's rude, but I do think it's the wrong question to ask, because we know that they don't all really have any equal say in this.

What's in it for the current G5? Nothing. They'd hate it.

But the P5?

Another league of "FBS" schools to count wins against? Spreading the talent thinner among the G5 making it less likely they break through?

It wouldn't hurt the people actually driving the bus here.

Quote:Also--using LIBERTY as an example is silly-- do ANY teams in the WAC or ASUN have that kind of MONEY?

Not individually. Good thing none of them are trying to do this individually. :)

(12-04-2022 10:45 AM)eku05 Wrote:  

Quote:KSU is a large well known school in Atlanta. Remember KSU is a popular school within its own state than KSU is within its on state.

You are missing several points here.

1. That may be true, but Georgia's a larger state. EKU and KSU's enrollments as a percentage of their state's populations are actually pretty similar, but that's not even really my point...

2. Louisville is a city borderline large enough for major league sports. It's really barely on the outside of that line, and it's larger than a few cities that do have major league teams, but it doesn't have any of its own. There's no competition here. College sports is *everything* to the sports consumer in this city and this state, and you can't say that in Atlanta. There's a lot more going on.

3. Also, back to the idea of EKU and WKU together, which combined have an enrollment over 30,000, and pre-pandemic they were near a combined 40,000, both with heavy alumni bases in Louisville. That's significant.

Re: the above incoherent post by KSU fan. I assume as does EKU 05, that he is comparing KSU to EKU. The statement makes little sense, but assuming he’s comparing the two. I have lived in several cities in KY, from north eastern, central Ky to Louisville most of my life, I now have live south west of Atlanta and I call this statement BS! I am approximately 30 mins south of the city, no one and I mean no one mentions Kennesaw State around here, maybe they are all that and a glass of bourbon, but he does not know what he’s talking about in comparing the two in how “well known” they are in their respective states. Curious how long did he live in Kentucky to be such an expert!

(12-04-2022 12:04 PM)LexColonel Wrote:  

(12-04-2022 10:45 AM)eku05 Wrote:  

Quote:KSU is a large well known school in Atlanta. Remember KSU is a popular school within its own state than KSU is within its on state.

You are missing several points here.

1. That may be true, but Georgia's a larger state. EKU and KSU's enrollments as a percentage of their state's populations are actually pretty similar, but that's not even really my point...

2. Louisville is a city borderline large enough for major league sports. It's really barely on the outside of that line, and it's larger than a few cities that do have major league teams, but it doesn't have any of its own. There's no competition here. College sports is *everything* to the sports consumer in this city and this state, and you can't say that in Atlanta. There's a lot more going on.

3. Also, back to the idea of EKU and WKU together, which combined have an enrollment over 30,000, and pre-pandemic they were near a combined 40,000, both with heavy alumni bases in Louisville. That's significant.

Re: the above incoherent post by KSU fan. I assume as does EKU 05, that he is comparing KSU to EKU. The statement makes little sense, but assuming he’s comparing the two. I have lived in several cities in KY, from north eastern, central Ky to Louisville most of my life, I now have live south west of Atlanta and I call this statement BS! I am approximately 30 mins south of the city, no one and I mean no one mentions Kennesaw State around here, maybe they are all that and a glass of bourbon, but he does not know what he’s talking about in comparing the two in how “well known” they are in their respective states. Curious how long did he live in Kentucky to be such an expert!

They might not talk about in conversations but they know the school. KSU is the second largest school in Georgia. It's known, all of the large school in Georgia are known.

(12-03-2022 10:43 PM)EKUSteve Wrote:  

(12-03-2022 10:36 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  I'm sure the WAC commish IS involved in some "talks". But he can't change the CFP. It never hurts to talk and try. A WAC fcs league is a great idea.

IMO the SFA coach and AP AD are "positioning". They know the G5 will add someone and THEY (squeaky wheel) want to be included.

Everything in this post is just my opinion-- except for one thing: The WAC commish can't change the CFP.

True. But he can try to make sure the WAC, if it comes to fluition, is part of the new contract for '26.

Fruition?

Fcs conferences aren't invited to the table to discuss playoff money that don't involve them.
Therefore the WAC would likely need to be a FBS conference by then. Jump through the hoops then we'll talk.

(12-04-2022 08:23 PM)jones682 Wrote:  

(12-04-2022 12:04 PM)LexColonel Wrote:  

(12-04-2022 10:45 AM)eku05 Wrote:  

Quote:KSU is a large well known school in Atlanta. Remember KSU is a popular school within its own state than KSU is within its on state.

You are missing several points here.

1. That may be true, but Georgia's a larger state. EKU and KSU's enrollments as a percentage of their state's populations are actually pretty similar, but that's not even really my point...

2. Louisville is a city borderline large enough for major league sports. It's really barely on the outside of that line, and it's larger than a few cities that do have major league teams, but it doesn't have any of its own. There's no competition here. College sports is *everything* to the sports consumer in this city and this state, and you can't say that in Atlanta. There's a lot more going on.

3. Also, back to the idea of EKU and WKU together, which combined have an enrollment over 30,000, and pre-pandemic they were near a combined 40,000, both with heavy alumni bases in Louisville. That's significant.

Re: the above incoherent post by KSU fan. I assume as does EKU 05, that he is comparing KSU to EKU. The statement makes little sense, but assuming he’s comparing the two. I have lived in several cities in KY, from north eastern, central Ky to Louisville most of my life, I now have live south west of Atlanta and I call this statement BS! I am approximately 30 mins south of the city, no one and I mean no one mentions Kennesaw State around here, maybe they are all that and a glass of bourbon, but he does not know what he’s talking about in comparing the two in how “well known” they are in their respective states. Curious how long did he live in Kentucky to be such an expert!

They might not talk about in conversations but they know the school. KSU is the second largest school in Georgia. It's known, all of the large school in Georgia are known.

I've been living in the Atlanta tv market 47 years. KSU had the same amount of attention almost all fcs teams get. Almost none. I have seen Marietta/Kennesaw grow from a small town to the ugly monster it is now. KSU is no more popular in Ga than any other G5/fcs school. Like everywhere else in Ga it's UGA and GA TECH.
I imagine EKU has the same trouble.
What KSU has over EKU is it's location. In the atl market.
Like it or not location dictates possible viewership and thus the amount of money a media deal is worth.
Why do you think the sbc was willing to add Ga St so quickly. You also might note KSU was added just as quickly.
It sucks but it's true.

Quote:Fcs conferences aren't invited to the table to discuss playoff money that don't involve them.
Therefore the WAC would likely need to be a FBS conference by then. Jump through the hoops then we'll talk.

They might invited be with the threat of an anti-trust lawsuit. People like to tout that the CFP deal is "private," but that would never hold up to a serious challenge in court because of the amount of taxpayer funded institutions involved.

Besides. You had two conferences that already vetted this plan once. It's the same plan...just one group doing it instead of two.

Again, do I think this thing is likely to go all the way through? No, I think you probably see enough schools added to C-USA to prevent it from happening. But like I said, if those schools sign a GOR, it might not be possible, and at the very least it might induce C-USA to act quicker than it really wants to. That might be the endgame here.

Long story short, if you've watched everything that has happened to college football in the last five years and you're hanging your hat on something that *can't* happen...well then I have a bridge to sell you.