Merge all three conferences, then separate football into 3 - 12 team groups. The first group consists of the top 12 teams based off a rolling 4 yr average of final CFP standings. The 2 remaining groups are divided as evenly as possible along geographic boundaries. Each year there is relegation. The 2 lowest ranked teams from the top group are relegated out and the 2 winners of the lower groups move into the top group. Geographic based divisions are reshuffled depending on locations of relegated teams. Notre Dame is invited to join as a full member. For the sake of this exercise I am also including the soon to be added Big 12 members UCF, Houston, BYU and Cincinnati.
All other sports are divided into 3 - 12 team geographically determined groups as well. Season ending tournaments would involve the top 6 schools from each division.
This creates a very desirable football product that also would warrant a new, more lucrative TV contract, while letting universities that are not serious about investing in Football remain in the conference with a merit based avenue for upward mobility. TV revenue is distributed based on a league wide minimum and performance based incentives for achievement in revenue generating sports.
Non revenue generating sports will still be able to compete against mostly regional competition and have willing scheduling partners for additional games. This solves the travel issues.
The top 12 football division would be something like this:
Clemson
ND
Cincinnati
Oregon
Utah
Oklahoma State
Baylor
Washington
BYU
NC State
UCF
Iowa St
First teams out:
West Virginia
Washington St
Pittsburgh
I think the relegation play could be awesome. It creates drama at the bottom of the top division and motivation for the rest of the league to improve.
I also think the football relegation scheme could be pretty awesome for basketball too. However depending on travel considerations it may not make sense.
Would love to hear the board's opinions on this. Fire away!
All other sports are divided into 3 - 12 team geographically determined groups as well. Season ending tournaments would involve the top 6 schools from each division.
This creates a very desirable football product that also would warrant a new, more lucrative TV contract, while letting universities that are not serious about investing in Football remain in the conference with a merit based avenue for upward mobility. TV revenue is distributed based on a league wide minimum and performance based incentives for achievement in revenue generating sports.
Non revenue generating sports will still be able to compete against mostly regional competition and have willing scheduling partners for additional games. This solves the travel issues.
The top 12 football division would be something like this:
Clemson
ND
Cincinnati
Oregon
Utah
Oklahoma State
Baylor
Washington
BYU
NC State
UCF
Iowa St
First teams out:
West Virginia
Washington St
Pittsburgh
I think the relegation play could be awesome. It creates drama at the bottom of the top division and motivation for the rest of the league to improve.
I also think the football relegation scheme could be pretty awesome for basketball too. However depending on travel considerations it may not make sense.
Would love to hear the board's opinions on this. Fire away!
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