Instead of a school getting permanently branded as a lesser valuable member, they need a path where they can move up. I think if that was adopted you will have more support. In summary, this is how I would approach it:

-present idea to ESPN, see if the ACC can squeeze a few more shekels out of them.

-ESPN gives it their blessing and gives the pay increase, but wants the ACC to pick up 2 more to get the leagues to 8 each.

-The next 2 seasons, the 14 teams compete for those top 8 spots.

-The 2 new members join and the new league arrangement begins.

-The best 2 teams from the deregulated league move up, the worst 2 from the big boi league move down.

The referees favor certain teams now...can't wait to see it if relegation teams are involved

(05-16-2023 11:49 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  The referees favor certain teams now...can't wait to see it if relegation teams are involved

I think the refereeing would be more accountable with what’s on the line. Not only the team that got screwed would demand accountability, but the teams indirectly. Say UNC benefits from a terrible call that helps them from being derelegated. Not only does the team that lost the game is upset, but the 1 or 2 other teams indirectly impacted are now griping.

Yeah, that's all fine and dandy until Dook or UNC is looking at getting relegated.

UNC has the means to finish top 6 in the ACC most years, if they have 1 or 2 bad seasons I think they will suck it up and be back sooner rather than later.

Duke does not care about football as much as the other ACC schools and I don’t think they will hurt for cash in their AD with their rich alumni.

I think a better example would be UVA that has a lot of influence, moderately cares about football, but not a good football program.

I think this idea is good overall because the novelty plus the high stakes make the games more meaningful overall. This is why I believe the ACC can squeeze a little bit more money from ESPN and also why adding 2 new members from the G5 ranks could increase the payout floor of the deregulated side of the ACC.

How do you get your audience excited about 2 unranked ACC teams playing on a Thursday? Answer: When deregulation is on the line. This could have the same feel as an NCAAT game with celebrations and sorrow.

Naturally there will be lots to work out in such a proposal including the ACCCG (if any), distribution of playoff/bowl game revenue, etc.

I think a Promotion/Relegation league only works if the SEC expands to 24 and has 2 12-team leagues. Promotion/Relegation would be based on 2 years worth of data (so you play everyone in conference) or you play 11 conference games.

With the CFP you are going to need some OOC games to compare teams and leagues.