Since a part of Cincinnati is in Kentucky wouldn't the SEC already get the full SECN rate in the Cincinnati DMA? If so that would reduce UC value to the SEC some, though adding them would give some negotiating power for the rest of Ohio, but how much? I think the B12 or ACC are UC's best hopes. UC would have the most value to those conferences and would be able to compete better there.

I feel for Cincinnati (UConn, BYU, and many others as well) because it has to be extremely frustrating to be on the cusp of a power conference invite (and having lost a power conference spot previously in some cases) at this uncertain and perilous period in realignment. If I was them I'd be praying for 5x16 or 4x20 (top 80 schools) like JRSec mentioned. I'd hope that the new division or breakaway doesn't require power conference membership, but instead certain metrics that need to be met (attendance, revenue, etc.) and a willingness to pay the extra expenses likely to be involved going forward (stipends, full cost of attendance, etc.).