B1G discussing potentially adding Oregon, Washington, Stanford and Cal
You keep telling me my order is almost ready. Just call me when the pizza is out of the oven.
Here's the article itself from Yahoo sports:
Key paragraphs:
"The discussions are in the very early stages, sources caution. No decision, including on whether to expand or stay put at 16 teams, has been made or is considered imminent.
The Big Ten may also patiently wait to see what happens with other Pac-12 schools and their potential move to the Big 12 before acting at all."
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So basically the B1G is doing its due diligence, as is appropriate in light of Pac 9 instability and future uncertainty. Doesn't really move the discussion forward but Dan Wetzel is a legitimate college football reporter so this isn't just rumors.
Everything I’ve seen has basically said B1G not interested (only because they don’t want to be blamed for killing the PAC).
Colorado killed the PAC, now it’s just waiting for everyone else to realize it. If/when Arizona dips, it’ll be open season.
That's what I've read/heard too, although it makes little sense to me b/c the B1G tipped the first domino last summer when it announced USC and UCLA were joining. Meanwhile if UA/ASU/Utah decide to leave for the Big 12 then the B1G will apparently reconsider inviting 2-4 Pac 9 schools. But Fox/CBS/NBC won't pony up an additional $70M per added school so any new invitees will need to come at a discount. From what I read they won't hesitate to say Yes anyway.
Every additional team reduces the income from existing teams. It's the same pie divided into more pieces. New teams with small fanbases are, unfortunately, not what brings in the big advertising dollars. ND is the one team that makes sense because it has a huge fanbase.
Cal and Stanford are money losers. This is not about academics, it is about football and revenue.
Cal/Stanford bring the San Francisco market. Personally I think you only need one and Stanford brings much more than Cal in value.
I think Stanford and Cal are a package deal wherever they land.
Along with their academic prowess and Bay Area TV market, they also add to the recruiting trail.
Cal and Stanford are the biggest prize with the biggest market and success in multiple sports. It also keeps the California schools and rivalries together. Finally, Cal and Stanford are two of the finest academic institutions in the country.
Greater San Fran population is about 7M...Seattle & Portland combined are about that. Dividing by the 2 SF schools, there's no substantial difference in market between UW/Oregon & Stanford/Cal.
Would rather bring in UW/Oregon - we gain the premier Nike program & the Northwest schools are heavily supported by their entire States. Plus Autzen & Husky Stadiums are great venues, and the NW schools are more competitive in the main sports. Agree they're not at the same level academically, but the NW schools are both AAU members. Plus, we get to see who's the "real NW" team in the B1G (looking at you wildcats!). Consistent vote for UW/Oregon from this NW-area fan.
I wonder if Cal and especially Stanford offer something else: the opportunity to raise funds in Silicon Valley. From my vantage point in Urbana, Illinois regularly has fundraising events among their many alums in the Bay area. I'm sure Michigan does the same. Imagine a Michigan tailgate at Stanford and the possibility it offers. Then throw in research $, partnerships, internships, etc. from Silicon Valley corporations. The same probably applies to Seattle.
Bro, this is ridiculous. They do not care about killing the PAC, in fact, they already killed the PAC when they raided the two SoCal teams. This isnt about feelings, its about TV market share domination and thats what adding two teams from the SF/Bay area TV market as well as one from Seattle and the Portland/Eugene area accomplishes.
It's the a$$ raping the B1G was seeking after ESPN started the shenanigans by forcing UT and OU to the SEC. Now ESPN is squealing like the pigs they are.
So that FSU/Clemson talk was just wild speculation then?
I can I speculate that we will add four teams to be named later to the B1G?
It was hot air meant to drive clicks. No way the ACC and FSU were or are in anything that resembles “active negotiation”.
FSU is exploring every possible avenue of breaking the GoR. The ACC can’t afford to negotiate any deal with anyone to leave or they might as well fold on 8/16.
Hot air or not, I think it makes more sense to add FSU/Clemson than Cal/Stanford or UW or Oregon.
They are all equally likely or not right now. I don't think any moves happen for now.
I called BS on the FSU and Clemson rumor. It makes no sense due to location, markets, academics, and much more.
Cal and Stanford make perfect sense, especially since UCLA and USC are already on board. Oregon and Washington make less sense except that once you take Cal and Stanford those other two will need a home.
It was just some snakeoil salesman who knows nothing, looking for clicks and he got them.
This is great. We should split the league into two divisions and we'll call one the PAC division and the other we'll call the B1G division
PAC Division will have: USC, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, Cal and Nebraska
BIG Division will have: M, OSU, MSU, PSU, Indiana, Iowa, Northwestern, Illini, Wisconsin, Minni & Purdue.
Rutgers & Maryland are regulated out
If the PAC division wants to expand they could add Arizona, Arizona State and Washington State
Championship game to played annually in the Rose Bowl
I'm telling you, this could work guys. We really should try it.
Move PSU to the PAC division for luls.
Novel idea. Why didn't anyone think of this before.
I know I'm not the only one who suggested the Big 10 part—of 10 teams—a while ago.
This is a really good idea, but you forgot about Clemson and FSU...
As much as i would love this rutgers and maryland will never get kicked out due to the tv markets they are located in. But besdies that im all for this. save the pac-12 by adding the rest of the teams and save some cfb traditions
Plus they are both better than MSU in football now...
PAC Division will have: USC, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, Cal and Nebraska
BIG Division will have: M, OSU, MSU, PSU, Indiana, Iowa, Northwestern, Illini, Wisconsin, Minni & Purdue.
Championship game to played annually in the Rose Bowl
That's pretty much what existed for several decades when the Rose Bowl was the Big 10 regular season champ against the PACwhatever regular season champ.
That sure is a long road to get to where we already were.
This idea of two divisions - PAC and B1G with a championship game in Pasadena - really reflects intelligence and creativity. Thanks for sharing.
Maybe it’s me - but, as a college sports fan and traditionalist - it just feels “right”.
You left out the U-Dub Huskies...but otherwise I'm on-board with this.
I bet you had this idea all of your adult life, and you decide to bring it up now!!??
Never heard that combination speculated before.
/s
At this point, I think we literally have heard all COMBIN(20,2) + COMBIN(20,4) + COMBIN(20,6) + COMBIN(20,8) + COMBIN(20,10) = 354,521 (thank you Excel) possibilities mentioned at one point or another.
(FWIW, 20 = Arizona, ASU, BC, Cal, Clemson, Colorado, Duke, FSU, GT, Kansas, Miami FLA, Missouri, UNC, Notre Dame, Oregon, Pitt, Stanford, Utah, Virginia, Washington)
#Michigan (I mean Penn State) Difference
I have said this before, but the last 6 teams added to the Big Ten all came as a complete surprise to the general public, and nobody even knew the Big Ten was looking to expand at the time. Why are we assuming the next expansion, if there is another one, is going to be conducted in public like this?
There is just no way Dan Wetzel is going to be the first person who knows about any of this. I think this is more the Gregg Henson school of throwing stuff at the wall and if anything sticks then he gets to claim that it was because he had special knowledge.
I don't think Nebraska was a huge surprise. This one is like that, where you have schools clearly interested in leaving a sinking ship.
Oregon and Washington were expected by many to get an invite notclong after the USCLA news broke last summer. This is not a surprise now that other teams are fleeing from the PAC.
Because it's very public knowledge that the Pac 12 did not get a good enough tv deal and is actively falling apart, so this is the time teams will be moving. Sure things can happen when they're not expected, but there's not reason they can't happen when they are expected too
add them please! Save whats left of tradition and decency. Not to mention oregon and UW are excellent FB programs and stanford/cal add a lot more with non-revenue sports. Gives USC/UCLA natural rivals. The SEC will expand again and soon. Why not be proactive. As far as cal/stanford fb wise they add nothing however we get the bay area tv market which was the same logic in rutgers if i remember correctly. Finally if we do expand we need some more bottom feeders to balance out the conference. Oregon/UW/Cal/Stanford is a perfect balance
I just started a rumor that the B1G is actually considering the process of thinking about adding any teams that aren't currently in the SEC to the conference.
August 2nd, 2023 at 11:08 PM ^
San Diego State! Clap, clap!
The daily rumor mill post about what team we're going to add (or not add) to the big ten. 'Bout time!
Oh FFS. At this point I think the B1G expansion plans are buried on these alien spacecraft we keep hearing so much about
We need to know if these are SERIOUS rumors.
This seems like due diligence... still not sure why California (or even Washington) when you may be able to get UVA and or UNC if you are patient.
Because you want to have easier logistics for the L.A. schools.
This, but also bringing in Stanford might finally convince ND to get off the fence.
If it takes having Stanford to FINALLY convince ND to join, then I say FUCK notre dame. Don't want those self-absorbed, my shit don't stink, assholes. Let them be on their own island and play all 3 service academeys every year.
To hell with Notre Dame.
Because expansion is largely about football and both Oregon and Washington are much bigger brands/draws that UNC and UVA. And also because adding them balances out the West Coast teams.
It's about TV. Does any casual CFB tune in for UNC or UVA football games? No. Do they tune in for Oregon v. Washington? Absolutely.
Yes. Oregon and Washington combined average more than 3 times as many viewers as North Carolina and Virginia combined.
Better than Clem(p)son and Free Shoes U
I'm pretty sure every single team is on the table unless you're already in the sec or big ten