Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Go Rhody Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Noah Henderson, a Sports Illustrated writer and Director of Sports Management at Loyola Chicago.
We’re diving into the hot topic: Can the A10 rise to become the top mid-major conference in the nation after strong basketball programs have made waves by leaving the Mountain West (MW) and West Coast Conference (WCC)?
Witness the chaos as these powerhouse teams exit the 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 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 Marys. 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.
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 stakes are high!
The benefits of revenue sharing could lead to exciting collaborations with NIL donations, evolving into charitable contributions.
Brand asked Henderson: “How accurate are NIL player valuations?” Henderson replied: “It’s a mystery unless the athletes share the scoop!”
But in the scheme of things everything is a mystery in the NIL World.
Stay Tuned!!!
