(07-20-2018 05:08 PM)OdinFrigg Wrote:  Yes, that clause that ND signed with the ACC per fb would be very costly if ND seeks to go elsewhere during the term of the GoR. But if ND did go to the BIG, then slide in WVU to the ACC..

The problem with the idea of 15 member conferences is that all P5 conferences would need to agree to it.

I have long felt that if there are minimum membership numbers for conferences, then maximum numbers could also be applied.

Having maximum numbers, IMO, would offer "overall" enhanced stabilization, though some in the P5 are very stabilized already. If conditions change, they can lift or modify such a requirement.

Coupled with this, I favor abolishing GoRs. Have standard exit fees that cover reasonable costs, but are not intended to be punitive or look like it is extorting. Exit fees should cover real administrative costs, and the revenue required by each member school to reschedule and find replacements. An 18 to 24 month notice to leave for all sports sounds appropriate.

Well oddly as to that ND GOR, the 5 football games (which is where the bulk of value is located) may not be under the GOR. I believe all of their other sports are under the GOR and the value of N.D. basketball is pretty low.

The GOR for the minor sports may not be an issue at all if the Big 10 took them as a football only member until the GOR expired. Buying out the value of 5 N.D. ACC football games a year would still leave them a profit for those 5 games in the Big 10 plus their other 4. So while I agree that it would not be as likely because of N.D.'s actual arrangement I wouldn't think it unworkable. The exit fee might not even be in order under that kind of arrangement. Of course N.D. could always simply contract for a certain number of Big 10 games to "hold" their spot until they could financially swing the move. They didn't paint themselves in as big of a corner as most think.

The inherent problem of 15 is the scheduling and the fact that it means there will never be an all conference schedule and likely not even an all P schedule.

Most folks are so used to bracket structures that an odd number inevitably will lack universal acceptance. But it is a valid concept relate to the present conditions.

BTW, We are 100% in agreement about GOR's. Besides I'm really not sure that a GOR is enforceable against a state school. And the punitive nature of them are what should be challenged in court because punitive damages aren't supposed to be a part of a contract, but rather actual damages. Besides in volatile times everyone should be free to move in their self interests.