• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 13, 2024

Perks of Power 5

  • It’s worth it for the remaining Big 12 schools to keep the conference intact, even if they lose future conference distribution revenue.
  • Power 5 status gives schools a recruitment edge and marketing power for enrollment in addition to revenue.
Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

For the Big 12’s eight remaining schools, it’s worth it for them to keep the conference intact even if they lose distribution revenue by adding four schools. 

Why? Keeping or gaining Power 5 status is on the line.

After all, “Everything is better when you’re in the Power 5,” TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini recently pointed out, “except parking.” 

At the Texas state senate hearing, existing Big 12 university presidents and athletic directors almost seemed more concerned about losing Power 5 status than losing the Big 12. They said it helps everything from athletic department revenue, to recruitment, to marketing the entire school. Not to mention, Power 5 conferences get preferential treatment in the NCAA’s governance structure.

Given all these perks, it’s no surprise Big 12 schools are desperate to keep the conference going.

As for the conference’s new schools, It’s “a huge brand win for them” to join the Big 12, Weaver said. 

The AAC has tried to convince its peers it’s as good as a Power conference, but that clearly wasn’t enough for Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati. AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco released a statement saying in part: “Today’s news confirms what we have said all along regarding our status as a power conference. The irony that three of our schools are being asked to take the place of the two marquee schools which are leaving the Big 12 is not lost on us.”

But during a press conference, Houston president Renu Khator specifically expressed excitement that the school had achieved Power 5 status.

For Cincinnati and UCF in particular, there’s a major football advantage that comes with that brand prowess. Last year, many believed the Bearcats — undefeated until the Peach Bowl — were snubbed when they didn’t receive a bid to the College Football Playoff. Critics suggested the team would have gotten in if they were part of a Power 5 conference.

A similar controversy took place with the Knights in 2017, when the team completed an undefeated season and crowned themselves national champions despite not receiving a CFP bid. The NCAA then awarded UCF a national title alongside Alabama.

Now, with CFP expansion reportedly stalled, these schools have clearly taken their football futures into their own hands.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) celebrates with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) altering recording a triple-double Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 93-86.

The Meteoric Rise of Women’s Basketball in 2024

The business of women’s basketball exploded this year.
Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels new head coach Bill Belichick speaks to those attending his hiring announcement at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.

UNC Job Brings an End to Belichick’s Short-Lived Media Career

Bill Belichick had six media jobs this football season.

Army-Navy Is Always Big. This Year’s Game Holds Special Significance

This year’s edition of America’s Game carries extra luster for several reasons.

Florida State, Still Suing ACC, Claims It Never Wanted to Leave

In court documents last December, the Seminoles said they planned to withdraw.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) goes in for a sack on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during the second half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.

How the CFP’s On-Campus Guinea Pigs Are Handling Historic December Home Games

The biggest games in school history will be when students are home for break.
December 12, 2024

Belichick Makes UNC Intentions Clear: ‘I Didn’t Come Here to Leave’

North Carolina formally introduced Bill Belichick on Thursday.
Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels chancellor Lee Roberts reads a transcript about new head coach Bill Belichicks’ father who served as an assistant coach at New North Carolina Tar Heels new in 1954 at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.
December 12, 2024

Belichick’s UNC Deal Contains Clause That Keeps NFL Speculation Alive

The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach will have a $10 million annual salary.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 11, 2024

Bill Belichick to Take College Plunge at North Carolina

UNC made the official announcement late Wednesday.
December 11, 2024

Mountain West Adds UC Davis, Wants Northern Illinois

The Aggies’ football team will stay in the FCS.
Notre Dame
December 11, 2024

College Football Playoff on Campuses Sends Ticket, Travel Prices Soaring

Postseason games are coming to South Bend, State College, Austin, and Columbus.
December 10, 2024

Transfer Portal Chaos: Record Moves, Star QBs, and NIL Deals Reshape CFB

There has been unprecedented portal activity this year.