More important when adding schools? TV appeal or NCAA bids

[ArmyVet]

I know a lot of the fanbases from the Big East schools want to keep the conference as close to the northeast as possible. Personally, I think that is a mistake. For long term survivability, I think expanding out of the northeast corner of the country is essential. College basketball is the most regional of all sports when it comes to TV coverage. Getting a larger presence outside of the eastern seaboard will help substantially in developing national, instead of regional, interest.

I've sort of lived everywhere and think the league should be as national as possible. Take the C7 and add 4-6 strong midwestern program and the 4-5 best west coast programs. You could have 4 divisions of four teams. In a way we could lock in this conference as a national player into eternity.

[Dew]

I know a lot of the fanbases from the Big East schools want to keep the conference as close to the northeast as possible. Personally, I think that is a mistake. For long term survivability, I think expanding out of the northeast corner of the country is essential. College basketball is the most regional of all sports when it comes to TV coverage. Getting a larger presence outside of the eastern seaboard will help substantially in developing national, instead of regional, interest.

I've sort of lived everywhere and think the league should be as national as possible. Take the C7 and add 4-6 strong midwestern program and the 4-5 best west coast programs. You could have 4 divisions of four teams. In a way we could lock in this conference as a national player into eternity.

I like this idea. I don't see it happening though. I'll do some research and see how it could work.

[courtjester]

It would water down the league too much? No?

[Jet915]

There are not enough good teams out west to support that. Too many mouths to feed, not enough NCAA tourney bids. I think it's 12 and up to 14 max.

[rickf]

Get the bids and the tv will follow.

[eldermars]

2011-12 Attendance Leaders (Final)
Rk. School Average
1. Kentucky 23,721
2. Syracuse 23,618
3. Louisville 21,503
4. North Carolina 20,159
5. Wisconsin 17,181
6. Creighton 16,665
7. Tennessee 16,543
8. Ohio State 16,511
9. Indiana 16,462
10. Kansas 16,445

2011 NCAA Division I Basketball Attendance Leaders

Rank School G Attendance Average
1 Kentucky 15 354,046 23,603
2 Syracuse 19 423,924 22,312
3 Louisville 21 458,463 21,832
4 North Carolina 15 287,155 19,144
5 Tennessee 18 341,130 18,952
6 BYU 14 261,989 18,714
7 Wisconsin 16 275,680 17,230
8 Memphis 19 318,601 16,768
9 Kansas 18 295,856 16,436
10 Illinois 16 253,623 15,851

http://byucougars.com/m-basketball/fan-support

[Peter]

If you're suggesting we should consider BYU, I would listen to that argument if a western division was added. There would have to be a huge buyout for any school with football before I'd agree up take them though.

[eldermars]

If you're suggesting we should consider BYU, I would listen to that argument if a western division was added. There would have to be a huge buyout for any school with football before I'd agree up take them though.

I'm not suggesting that per say, but BYU fans are definitely interested in following the happenings of a conference made up entirely of private religious schools. Plus, I'm just being proud.

[ljay]

If you're suggesting we should consider BYU, I would listen to that argument if a western division was added. There would have to be a huge buyout for any school with football before I'd agree up take them though.

I'm not suggesting that per say, but BYU fans are definitely interested in following the happenings of a conference made up entirely of private religious schools. Plus, I'm just being proud.

Honest question, what happened to BYU's attendance last year? They were over 18K the year before and not in the Top 10 last year. Jimmer effect?

[Jet915]

If you're suggesting we should consider BYU, I would listen to that argument if a western division was added. There would have to be a huge buyout for any school with football before I'd agree up take them though.

I'm not suggesting that per say, but BYU fans are definitely interested in following the happenings of a conference made up entirely of private religious schools. Plus, I'm just being proud.

Honest question, what happened to BYU's attendance last year? They were over 18K the year before and not in the Top 10 last year. Jimmer effect?

I'm assuming it was Jimmer.