Sports Illustrated Reporter Believes Conference Realignment Revenue Sharing Will Propel the Atlantic 10 to New Heights!
Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Go Rhody Podcast!
Noah Henderson, a Sports Illustrated writer, joined the Go Rhody Podcast today. The show is diving into the hot topic. Can the A-10 rise to become the top mid-major conference in the nation? This, after strong basketball programs have made waves. These involve leaving the Mountain West (MW) and West Coast Conference (WCC)?
Gonzaga Shocks College Basketball By Joining Pac-12
Witness the chaos as these powerhouse teams exit the Mountain West (MW), leading to a fracture of what was once the premier mid-major conference. For Noah, these moves are a no-brainer for teams seeking better opportunities, more lucrative TV deals, and resources await! One of the most shocking shifts was Gonzaga’s jump from the West Coast Conference (WCC) to the Pac-12. But how did this happen? The A10 stands poised to capitalize on the reshuffling of the PAC-12, especially after the major programs like UCLA sought new horizons.
This upheaval sent shockwaves through the WCC and Mountain West, with top-tier teams abandoning their mid-major roots for the PAC-12 and other P4 conferences. The A10 is in the perfect position to leapfrog the WCC and MW by claiming the #1 spot in mid-major glory! Noah argues that the A10 is thriving as the WCC and MW have been weakened by conference realignment. The driving force? BCS football! PAC 12 heavyweights flocking to revenue-driven conferences like the SEC and Big 12 are fighting for their share of the lucrative P4 pie.
It’s hard to believe just last season the MW was a top four conference and the WCC wasn’t just a one-hit wonder with Gonzaga leading the charge alongside teams like Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s. The MW lost valuable teams to the PAC-12, including San Diego State, Boise State, Utah State, and Colorado State. To fill the gaps, the Mountain West is now bringing in two lesser-known programs, Hawaii and the University of Texas-El Paso, but the conference is a shadow of its former self, with only New Mexico, Nevada, and UNLV maintaining any national relevance.
The Once Mighty MW and WCC Conferences Feel the Jolt of Conference Realignment
While the MW might still see multiple NCAA tournament appearances, the depth that once rivaled the Big East is fading fast. The WCC took the biggest hit, losing Gonzaga to the PAC-12 and BYU to the Big 12, leaving only San Francisco standing strong. The MW and WCC have become a one or two-bid league. But here’s the exciting twist: the Atlantic 10 has an incredible opportunity on the horizon with revenue sharing next season!
As teams chase football revenue, the A10 is set to invest in its basketball programs with newfound financial resources, outperforming teams that juggle both football and basketball like the revamped PAC-12 and Mountain West. The Big East is also gearing up to seize the moment! Rumors swirl that if the Atlantic 10 adopts revenue sharing, some schools may bow out.
Picture a scenario where the A10 mandates each school to invest $1.5 million in basketball! However, revenue sharing comes with challenges, including potential roster cuts from non-revenue sports like women’s basketball. With a $20.5 million salary cap-70% for football, 25% for basketball, and 5% for women’s basketball and other sports-the the stakes are high! The benefits of revenue sharing could lead to exciting collaborations with NIL donations, evolving into charitable contributions.
NIL Players’ Valuations Are Guesswork
Brand asked Henderson: “How accurate are NIL player valuations?” Henderson replied: “It’s a mystery unless the athletes share the scoop! Henderson added, “On3 is a great resource but lacks precision, relying on algorithms. Henderson discusses the P4’s push to elevate college sports to new heights, reminding everyone that the NCAA only profits from FBS-level football and March Madness in basketball.
