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Message: [QUOTE="HtownOrange, post: 294339, member: 622"] Just a few obersvations from a media observer with no more experience than flipping channels: - NBC probably wants the Big East because that is the best of what is available at this time. The five big boy conferences are locked up and NBC is not likely wanting to wait. The lesster conferences are nowhere near th level of exposure as the Big East teams provide, Best of the rest, if you will. - I think that NBC needs a name brand product, not necessarily the best product, but something people know and are aware of - The Big East covers all time zones - The Big East has volume, lots of game to show - We are focusing on football (which really has lost most of its reputation and potency) but as a conference, the Big East is otherwise respectable, lots of sports and lots of teams. - Big East hoops is very valuable, very deep and has volume! The Big East did lose a lot of its heart in losing Syracuse (this has been noted by many writers, bloggers, reporters, etc.). Losing Pitt and WVU did not help in hoops either, but the remaing teams are very notable, entertaining and popular, at least in their regions. - Lacrosse is coming on strong, especially up and down the east coast. This is a good spring offering, along with Big East baseball. - Paying the Big East a decent amount is still less expensive that the two main options NBC has RIGHT NOW; namely buy out an existing contract for which they would likely pay a premium; and, waiting. Either would cost far more in the long run than developing the NBC Sports name. Taking a financial hit now for a payday in the long run usually works. - Also, NBC would be in a much better position to prove to the other conferences once their deals end that NBC can provide coverage and quality to the point that NBC will be a player, not the new kid. - There will be a few winners in the Big East. Theyw ill probably go to 9 game schedules and there will be winners a losers. Winners build fan bases. The North East is overlooked because they have not produced a focused winner. Also, having lived in Florida, a lot of residents are NOT Florida, FSU or Miami fans. Most residents are transplants and HATE the aforementioned three and will watch someone else. Then there are the numbers, UCF and USF are huge schools, they will be building large fan bases - this is a long term deal, but it will not be long before their fan base exceeds Miami's. They are also in large metro areas. - Houston and SMU have been winners and can build respectable fanbases. Living in Houston, UT, TAMU, LSU seem to have teh largest followings, but people want a local team. If Houston can win again, they will have a decent following. I've heard the old times brag on SMU 's history (as well as rag on their downfall) so there is an under current of support. - A side benefit of FL and TX is that many young people are tired of 2 or 3 choices and are willing to pick another team. - Houston and Dallas are made up largely of transplants that are glad cheer on anyone other than the historical 2-3 favored teams Anyway, NBC just wants to get in the game, start small and grow. The Big East looks like it will be the beneficiary. [/QUOTE]

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