First reaction: UMass to the MAC

[DoctorJ]

Ok, but I'm trying to get how much it reduces the subsidy. Maybe we don't know exactly but can we ballpark estimate this?

I read that each MAC fb team gets about 800k, that was 13 teams (I think), so about 10.4 million. For 14 teams, I'd assume it would be at least 740 k.

I don't know what other costs are avoided, other than perhaps buy games. Anyone know what we spend to buy opponents as independents? Are we also more likely to get more in a game we are paid to play as an opponent?

If I had to make a poorly-educated guesstimate, I'd say it might save us one or two million in terms of funding football. That's the monetary side. I would think that this is a meaningful amount. Adding to that, I assume being in the MAC is a huge help in recruiting. All good for the FB program.

What, if any, are the financial costs to other programs? It appears that all of the programs that are switching to new conferences are going to have bigger travel costs. I have no idea what that adds up to and I don't know how much each program is helped or hurt - that is, other than my sense that it is a near-term potential hurdle for hoop attendance and recruiting.

That said, my sense is the following at this point...
1. Retaining Frank gives the MAC one superstar HC, which is a competitive advantage if Frank can get guys that would come play for him but not other MAC schools. I think he can do that.
2. As others said, winning sells more hoop tickets than opponents. This is probably true but I'd love to see the actual data.
3. Big dance and even NIT appearances are probably more likely, IMHO, in the MAC.
4. We don't know that a Frank Martin in the MAC team won't become the next CalMass of the 90s, aka Gonzaga of the MAC.
5. If we can achieve 4, then it will be hoop that gets us to the next level of conference AAC or better.

I'm staying positive but I like the MAC teams less than CUSA, which I also don't like.

All I want is UMass Hoops to win games, go to tournaments and win games, and add more banners to the Bill.

If football goes to the bowl games, I will watch them but it just doesn't matter as much to me.

[Steve81]

Ok, but I'm trying to get how much it reduces the subsidy. Maybe we don't know exactly but can we ballpark estimate this?

I read that each MAC fb team gets about 800k, that was 13 teams (I think), so about 10.4 million. For 14 teams, I'd assume it would be at least 740 k.

I don't know what other costs are avoided, other than perhaps buy games. Anyone know what we spend to buy opponents as independents? Are we also more likely to get more in a game we are paid to play as an opponent?

If I had to make a poorly-educated guesstimate, I'd say it might save us one or two million in terms of funding football. That's the monetary side. I would think that this is a meaningful amount. Adding to that, I assume being in the MAC is a huge help in recruiting. All good for the FB program.

What, if any, are the financial costs to other programs? It appears that all of the programs that are switching to new conferences are going to have bigger travel costs. I have no idea what that adds up to and I don't know how much each program is helped or hurt - that is, other than my sense that it is a near-term potential hurdle for hoop attendance and recruiting.

That said, my sense is the following at this point...
1. Retaining Frank gives the MAC one superstar HC, which is a competitive advantage if Frank can get guys that would come play for him but not other MAC schools. I think he can do that.
2. As others said, winning sells more hoop tickets than opponents. This is probably true but I'd love to see the actual data.
3. Big dance and even NIT appearances are probably more likely, IMHO, in the MAC.
4. We don't know that a Frank Martin in the MAC team won't become the next CalMass of the 90s, aka Gonzaga of the MAC.
5. If we can achieve 4, then it will be hoop that gets us to the next level of conference AAC or better.

I'm staying positive but I like the MAC teams less than CUSA, which I also don't like.

All I want is UMass Hoops to win games, go to tournaments and win games, and add more banners to the Bill.

If football goes to the bowl games, I will watch them but it just doesn't matter as much to me.

Think most of your assumptions, guessing are valid except the media contract will go up and will not be per team reduced. Do like football and basketball and other sports in a common conference with fellow public universities*. The schedule of buy games etc varies and not an expert there. But do remember, years ago, hearing that the football travel budget went up going independent. Really like the more predictable and easier scheduling for football. No longer really big on basketball, but a lot of the A10 teams do not excite me. It's when they have meaningful as the VCU and Bonnie games and named brand OOC games. Not most of this years OOC schedule. That will have to change. For myself, but perhaps not for you Akron, Kent State, Ohio, Toledo carry about the same weight of interest. The MAC has plenty of teams in basketball that I really don't care too much as with A10.

* This is more based on your background. My parents eventually got their degrees at State schools. Was talking to a QB from long ago and said I had to miss the football games when my whole floor would go because I had to work in the dining commons, work study job. He reply made me feel really good. That's OK, you were a Massachusetts kid.

It's what we have now and concerns can be address by people donating to the NILs. They will be real important for getting and especially keeping kids. We lost some good kids and sometimes there is not enough money to keep them. Believe Pat said RJ Louis was offered a 6 figure NIL deal and still left. Every thing seems to be about money and the kids are no different. The transfer portal is easy and their are teams with deep pockets.

[JoleonLescottsHair]

All other analysis aside, PLEASE stop with the “Gonzaga of the MAC” nonsense. Gonzaga (and many other high caliber hoops programs) do not play FBS football. They have found ways to make it work. We have failed.

[JoleonLescottsHair]

The AD has repeatedly said that the move to FBS has reduced the subsidy needed to fund football. He has stated the numbers. It has been published many times.

Feel free to share. Thanks.

[doubledribble]

Since fans/public were unfortunately not allowed at the press conference, does anyone have a like to what might have been said?

[InnervisionsUMASS]

Since fans/public were unfortunately not allowed at the press conference, does anyone have a like to what might have been said?

Please re-read the release: https://umassathletics.com/news/2024/2/ ... ull-member

[chuff]

All other analysis aside, PLEASE stop with the “Gonzaga of the MAC” nonsense. Gonzaga (and many other high caliber hoops programs) do not play FBS football. They have found ways to make it work. We have failed.

Thank you! There's only one team playing football in the whole WCC - San Diego - and that's FCS. That has to free up a few million for other sports.

Which isn't to say dropping football is what you need to do to create an outstanding basketball program, and that getting out of football means success in basketball. Obviously not. Exhibit A is Boston Univ. But you do need to invest heavily in hoops, and use those resources wisely.

[InnervisionsUMASS]

Yeah, the "BE THE GONZAGA OF THE MAC" stuff should stop.

[Camby4Life]

Since fans/public were unfortunately not allowed at the press conference, does anyone have a like to what might have been said?

The school probably wanted to keep people like you away from the press conference.

[Camby4Life]

All other analysis aside, PLEASE stop with the “Gonzaga of the MAC” nonsense. Gonzaga (and many other high caliber hoops programs) do not play FBS football. They have found ways to make it work. We have failed.

How about the SDSU of the MAC? They have a football program but have put together a solid bball resume over the years.

[doubledribble]

Since fans/public were unfortunately not allowed at the press conference, does anyone have a like to what might have been said?

The school probably wanted to keep people like you away from the press conference.

And what do you mean by that wisecrack ??
I’m a 50 yr STH

[DoctorJ]

Not sure why wanting to be the conference team that dominates every year like Gonzaga is annoying to people. Also not sure why them not having a football team undermines the analogy for basketball fans who care primarily about hoop.

Sorry guys...

Be the Gonzaga of MAC basketball...

That's my compromise. My apologies to the peanut gallery.

[doubledribble]

Since fans/public were unfortunately not allowed at the press conference, does anyone have a like to what might have been said?

Please re-read the release: https://umassathletics.com/news/2024/2/ ... ull-member

“Frank Martin and Don Brown, will also be available for media interviews following the press conference.”
More interested in their comments than the press release

[DEM]

Not sure why wanting to be the conference team that dominates every year like Gonzaga is annoying to people. Also not sure why them not having a football team undermines the analogy for basketball fans who care primarily about hoop.

Sorry guys...

Be the Gonzaga of MAC basketball...

That's my compromise. My apologies to the peanut gallery.

No objections from me, I think the main point you are making remains valid, football team or no (which is only tangential in my opinion).

[Camby4Life]

Since fans/public were unfortunately not allowed at the press conference, does anyone have a like to what might have been said?

The school probably wanted to keep people like you away from the press conference.

And what do you mean by that wisecrack ??
I’m a 50 yr STH

Why would they want fans angry at the move at the press conference? Don’t take it so personally. Amherst is known for their protests. No need to bring any negativity to the scene.