May 5, 2009

Big 10 expansion not in the cards, for now

Despite Penn State coach Joe Paterno's suggestion that the Big 10... err, eleven... should expand so that the conference does not lose its position in the college football landscape to the SEC and Big XII, Big 10 commissioner Jim Delany says expansion is not on the table for the conference.

"The issue has come up with our football coaches a couple times -- with the extra week and if we did expand, would we be more competitive?" Delany said. "I would say in some years they might be right. But has it enhanced the competitiveness of the ACC in football? Has it enhanced the competitiveness of the WAC? I don't know.

"Just because you have a championship doesn't make you more competitive. It's about coaching the players. The SEC game has been a marketing bonanza. I wouldn't discount that. But others have struggled with it."

To Paterno's point, there's no question in my mind that the Big 10 could rake in substantial revenues from a conference championship game. I might be naive, but I just think there's a market for the conference. I think you have to be smart about how you divide the conference into two divisions (or three?), but it's not unrealistic to think that many of the core annual rivalries could be maintained and even enhanced.

And, to Delany's point, I think there are a number of schools that bring a lot to the table as potential conference members - and I'm not just talking about mid-majors, either. And you have to look at expansion as an opportunity to expand the conference geographically, as well.

Who are the potential new members of the Big Tenelve?

PITT - Despite the past animosity with JoPa and Penn State, the Panthers are a natural fit.

MIAMI (OH) - The Redhawks have above average programs in a lot of sports and grabbing up Miami keeps any potential Big East expansion from hitting too deep into a traditional Big 10 recruiting base.

NOTRE DAME - I'll say it, because you are all thinking it. Right now the Big 10 needs the Irish more than the Irish need the Big 10, but there's no denying that a marriage of the two would bring in astronomical television revenues.

CINCINNATI - The Bearcats seem like an afterthought in the Big East, despite strong men's and women's athletics. In today's economy, the travel arrangements in the Big 10 make a lot more sense for UC.

WEST VIRGINIA - If Notre Dame says no, WVU might be the second phone call I make as Big 10 Commish.

IOWA STATE - Another natural fit for the Big 10, especially when you start looking at how to create two or three divisions within the conference.

LONG SHOTS - Kansas State, Syracuse, Rutgers, Memphis

What do you think? Is there one more potential dance partner for the Big 10?

Comments:

Big 10 expansion not in the cards, for now
Despite Penn State coach Joe Paterno's suggestion that the Big 10... err, eleven... should expand so that the conference does not lose its position in the college football landscape to the SEC and Big XII, Big 10 commissioner Jim Delany says expansion is not on the table for the conference.
"The issue has come up with our football coaches a couple times -- with the extra week and if we did expand, would we be more competitive?" Delany said. "I would say in some years they might be right. But has it enhanced the competitiveness of the ACC in football? Has it enhanced the competitiveness of the WAC? I don't know. "Just because you have a championship doesn't make you more competitive. It's about coaching the players. The SEC game has been a marketing bonanza. I wouldn't discount that. But others have struggled with it."
To Paterno's point, there's no question in my mind that the Big 10 could rake in substantial revenues from a conference championship game. I might be naive, but I just think there's a market for the conference. I think you have to be smart about how you divide the conference into two divisions (or three?), but it's not unrealistic to think that many of the core annual rivalries could be maintained and even enhanced. And, to Delany's point, I think there are a number of schools that bring a lot to the table as potential conference members - and I'm not just talking about mid-majors, either. And you have to look at expansion as an opportunity to expand the conference geographically, as well. Who are the potential new members of the Big Tenelve? PITT - Despite the past animosity with JoPa and Penn State, the Panthers are a natural fit. MIAMI (OH) - The Redhawks have above average programs in a lot of sports and grabbing up Miami keeps any potential Big East expansion from hitting too deep into a traditional Big 10 recruiting base. NOTRE DAME - I'll say it, because you are all thinking it. Right now the Big 10 needs the Irish more than the Irish need the Big 10, but there's no denying that a marriage of the two would bring in astronomical television revenues. CINCINNATI - The Bearcats seem like an afterthought in the Big East, despite strong men's and women's athletics. In today's economy, the travel arrangements in the Big 10 make a lot more sense for UC. WEST VIRGINIA - If Notre Dame says no, WVU might be the second phone call I make as Big 10 Commish. IOWA STATE - Another natural fit for the Big 10, especially when you start looking at how to create two or three divisions within the conference. LONG SHOTS - Kansas State, Syracuse, Rutgers, Memphis What do you think? Is there one more potential dance partner for the Big 10?