Comments on: Texas-Arlington to Join WAC

By: Michael in Indy

Michael in Indy — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:56:13 +0000

Can someone explain UTA’s incentive to join the WAC? It just seems like the Southland makes more sense for them, regardless of the WAC’s more recognizable name.

- UTA cannot get money from football TV contracts or bowl appearances without a football program of its own. Even if it could, the WAC’s next TV contract in football will probably not improve at all, even in this favorable economic climate for college sports TV contracts, because all of the quality programs are gone. Short of a miraculous improvement in football by one of the WAC’s current members, UTA won’t be receiving any money from a WAC team’s appearance in a BCS bowl, either. Appearances by non-BCS league members will probably come from the Mountain West or C-USA.

- UTA probably can expect a huge hit for the WAC’s basketball television contract as well. Utah State is the only decent basketball program. Idaho, La. Tech, the Texas schools, NMSU, San Jose State, Seattle, and Denver–it’s not a collection that gets TV executives any more excited than the Southland.

- At least in the Southland, UTA could enjoy pretty low travel costs.

By: LOL@ the Wac probably adding Texas-Arlington

LOL@ the Wac probably adding Texas-Arlington — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:31:56 +0000

[...] the Wac probably adding Texas-Arlington Texas-Arlington Expected to Join WAC | CollegeSportsInfo.com why are they even adding this one???? they don’t play football which is what the Wac needs to [...]

By: Matt Peloquin

Matt Peloquin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:36:05 +0000

Time will tell. On paper, WAC wants Dallas access. Surely can’t be an issue of passing on Lamar and SHSU who have football while UTA just spent a ton on a new arena but only draw 1k fans. If UTA adds football in 2016, it’s a help. If Montana and MSU join within the year, then adding UTA allows for a 6/6 split with LA tech, UTA, utsa, Tex St., NMSU and Denver in the east.

By: Peter Hunt

Peter Hunt — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:01:41 +0000

Is this a good move?

By: Matt Peloquin

Matt Peloquin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:39:36 +0000

Talks have progressed and yes, both schools in Montana would make the move.

By: Nathan Brice

Nathan Brice — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:37:28 +0000

Montana and Montana State have to be packaged together. That is just how the politics are up there. I am not sure if Montana wants to go to the WAC yet, however.

By: Matt Peloquin

Matt Peloquin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:33:32 +0000

It looks like Montana and Montana St. are the next in line for all sports. So it would be 9 football/12 other sports. Leaves Lamar and SHsU on the outside unless 11/14 is in the works.

By: Mike 'Kro' Kroboth

Mike 'Kro' Kroboth — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:30:59 +0000

Why is the WAC not adding football schools when they are at risk of dissolving?