I'd say that the vast majority of Northern California is indifferent (at best) about college sports in the Bay Area, and don't have any interest at all in either team. College football and MBB ratings in the Bay Area bear that out.
I can guarantee that none of the B1G Presidents are thinking that Cal's acad…
I'd say that the vast majority of Northern California is indifferent (at best) about college sports in the Bay Area, and don't have any interest at all in either team. College football and MBB ratings in the Bay Area bear that out.
I can guarantee that none of the B1G Presidents are thinking that Cal's academic prestige has any value when it comes to making B1G decisions (other than the absence of academic reputation would be fatal). It's all about the product on the field that is sold to the media companies. Research funding/coordination doesn't weigh into it. Any coordination among top tier schools is already happening, and/or they're competing with each other.
UVa isn't being looked at by the ACC more seriously than Clemson - they're frantically trying to come up with options for if/when Clemson bolts for the SEC. UVa would be one.
And sure, Cal has a high ceiling, but that's a ceiling they haven't seen in almost 30 years, and there's minimal data that would lead an observant Cal fan to conclude that we're going to reach it anytime soon.
We have to be realistic here. Otherwise you may have your heart obliterated.
The Bay Area is almost exclusively a pro market. To get more attendance Cal would have to either win more or giveaway free tickets. Creative marketing is called for. In an era where TV revenue trumps all you might as well give away tickets to generate more eyeballs, higher TV ratings, and a greater online following.
Agree with your first point but California likes winners and shows up when teams do well.
Academics does matter/certainly does not hurt when your academics are as elite/powerful as Cal/Stanford. If that was the case why didn't the B10 go after UO or specifically UW and grab the Seattle market? UCLA is an easy travel partner but if it's purely about the product on the field...
This is a recent article so maybe you have missed it but it outlines why UNC/UVA are most desired by the B10 as of now. It's widely reported that UVA is being looked at over Clemson.
I assume, based upon reporting from Wilner, et al, that the B1G *has* been talking to UW and UO, and if the Pac-12 falls apart, they'll land in the B1G. Uncle Phil can make sure that happens. We're really talking about whether there are 5, 6 or more former Pac-12 teams in the B1G.
On UVa, I wasn't saying that people weren't looking at them - I read your comment to suggest that UVa was somehow more valuable than Clemson. I think we probably agree that if the ACC were to blow up, there's no way that Clemson goes anywhere but the SEC (or vice versa).
I concur, but my fear (and why I'm no more than neutral in the survey) is that if our product on the football field and the basketball court don't improve considerably over the next decade, we won't get an invite from any of the P5.
I have no more than hopes at the moment that it will.
I'll try to take these in order.
I'd say that the vast majority of Northern California is indifferent (at best) about college sports in the Bay Area, and don't have any interest at all in either team. College football and MBB ratings in the Bay Area bear that out.
I can guarantee that none of the B1G Presidents are thinking that Cal's academic prestige has any value when it comes to making B1G decisions (other than the absence of academic reputation would be fatal). It's all about the product on the field that is sold to the media companies. Research funding/coordination doesn't weigh into it. Any coordination among top tier schools is already happening, and/or they're competing with each other.
UVa isn't being looked at by the ACC more seriously than Clemson - they're frantically trying to come up with options for if/when Clemson bolts for the SEC. UVa would be one.
And sure, Cal has a high ceiling, but that's a ceiling they haven't seen in almost 30 years, and there's minimal data that would lead an observant Cal fan to conclude that we're going to reach it anytime soon.
We have to be realistic here. Otherwise you may have your heart obliterated.
The Bay Area is almost exclusively a pro market. To get more attendance Cal would have to either win more or giveaway free tickets. Creative marketing is called for. In an era where TV revenue trumps all you might as well give away tickets to generate more eyeballs, higher TV ratings, and a greater online following.
Agree with your first point but California likes winners and shows up when teams do well.
Academics does matter/certainly does not hurt when your academics are as elite/powerful as Cal/Stanford. If that was the case why didn't the B10 go after UO or specifically UW and grab the Seattle market? UCLA is an easy travel partner but if it's purely about the product on the field...
This is a recent article so maybe you have missed it but it outlines why UNC/UVA are most desired by the B10 as of now. It's widely reported that UVA is being looked at over Clemson.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/37842854/college-realignment-latest-colorado-pac-12-big-12-acc
I assume, based upon reporting from Wilner, et al, that the B1G *has* been talking to UW and UO, and if the Pac-12 falls apart, they'll land in the B1G. Uncle Phil can make sure that happens. We're really talking about whether there are 5, 6 or more former Pac-12 teams in the B1G.
On UVa, I wasn't saying that people weren't looking at them - I read your comment to suggest that UVa was somehow more valuable than Clemson. I think we probably agree that if the ACC were to blow up, there's no way that Clemson goes anywhere but the SEC (or vice versa).
I think it ultimately breaks down like this over the next decade.
1. Cal, Stanford, UW, UO go to the B10.
2. The Four Corners (maybe not Zona) go to the SEC to form a western wing for them.
3. The B10 then gets UVA, Duke, UNC and Miami.
4. The SEC grabs FSU, G tech, Clemson and Vtech.
(Kansas/TCU I think could also be in the mix but tbd)
5. The B10/SEC each have 24 teams. The B12 takes the leftovers plus a few of the top G5 schools to get to 24 and Notre Dame remains independent.
It would be hilarious if the 4 corners went to the SEC, the Big 12 fans would be furious.
I concur, but my fear (and why I'm no more than neutral in the survey) is that if our product on the football field and the basketball court don't improve considerably over the next decade, we won't get an invite from any of the P5.
I have no more than hopes at the moment that it will.