Welcome Back, UConn Fans!

[VCE]

I have a few UConn friends so I'm really happy to renew the rivalry and go to MSG games with them. I'm also looking forward to increases in our TV contract, rating, attendance, revenue, etc which will benefit all of us. Sorry that the thought of UConn bothers you so much, but you need to accept that most of us are excited. UConn is home!

This is an underrated point. I have family/friends/coworkers from all current BE schools save St Johns, Butler and Depaul. Same for the old version of the conference (all but USF and Pitt). And that’s part of what having a true conference home in NYC and (somewhat) sensible geography brings to a conference. I think most power conferences have that dynamic- big ten in Chicago, pac12 in LA, big 12 in Dallas, SEC in Atlanta. The ACC used to have it in North Carolina, but I think that’s partially gone now with the Big East additions.

[Dave]

Welcome Back Huskies!

You've been away for a while. I think you will be surprised how competitive the race is for 2nd and 3rd place.

[gtmoBlue]

Actually the really heated competition is for 3rd - 6th. Been a real quagmire for the last few years.

[Husky_U]

UCONN to the Big East next summer:

Mike Anthony
‏@ManthonyCourant

American Athletic Conference set to announce UConn departure terms have been finalized.
Sources: UConn's exit fee will be $17 million, payable in lump sums of $5-plus million each of next two years (AAC withholding distribution money) and about $1 million annually for six years.

https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-aac-exit-fee-big-east-20190725-20190726-uao77ocncjf7foepsngivrimuy-story.html

"The conference is said to have sought a much higher exit fee while UConn tried to negotiate something closer to $15 million or below. The sides eventually found a compromise, which involves maintaining an aspect of their partnership because UConn has agreed to schedule four home-and-home basketball series with AAC teams, men’s or women’s. No teams or years have been assigned."

[GumbyDamnit!]

UCONN to the Big East next summer:

Mike Anthony
‏@ManthonyCourant

American Athletic Conference set to announce UConn departure terms have been finalized.
Sources: UConn's exit fee will be $17 million, payable in lump sums of $5-plus million each of next two years (AAC withholding distribution money) and about $1 million annually for six years.

https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-aac-exit-fee-big-east-20190725-20190726-uao77ocncjf7foepsngivrimuy-story.html

"The conference is said to have sought a much higher exit fee while UConn tried to negotiate something closer to $15 million or below. The sides eventually found a compromise, which involves maintaining an aspect of their partnership because UConn has agreed to schedule four home-and-home basketball series with AAC teams, men’s or women’s. No teams or years have been assigned."

That seems odd to me that the AAC would want to negotiate H&H series in BB with UConn. Can you imagine a hot girl breaking up with you and your last pitch to her is: "OK, we won't see each other any more but can I still bring you to my cousin's wedding and will you still go to my HS reunion with me?"

[Django]

UCONN to the Big East next summer:

Mike Anthony
‏@ManthonyCourant

American Athletic Conference set to announce UConn departure terms have been finalized.
Sources: UConn's exit fee will be $17 million, payable in lump sums of $5-plus million each of next two years (AAC withholding distribution money) and about $1 million annually for six years.

https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-aac-exit-fee-big-east-20190725-20190726-uao77ocncjf7foepsngivrimuy-story.html

"The conference is said to have sought a much higher exit fee while UConn tried to negotiate something closer to $15 million or below. The sides eventually found a compromise, which involves maintaining an aspect of their partnership because UConn has agreed to schedule four home-and-home basketball series with AAC teams, men’s or women’s. No teams or years have been assigned."

That seems odd to me that the AAC would want to negotiate H&H series in BB with UConn. Can you imagine a hot girl breaking up with you and your last pitch to her is: "OK, we won't see each other any more but can I still bring you to my cousin's wedding and will you still go to my HS reunion with me?"

AAC was the dumped girl still stalking :

[GoldenWarrior11]

So, the AAC is withholding distribution funds from UConn ($5 million this year, $6 million next year), and UConn is paying $1 million annually for six years? Once again, the devil is in the details. "The AAC receiving $17 million from UConn" is a lot better of a headline than "UConn will be paying the AAC $1 million annually for six years". UConn cannot pay what it will not receive lol.

[Hall2012]

UCONN to the Big East next summer:

Mike Anthony
‏@ManthonyCourant

American Athletic Conference set to announce UConn departure terms have been finalized.
Sources: UConn's exit fee will be $17 million, payable in lump sums of $5-plus million each of next two years (AAC withholding distribution money) and about $1 million annually for six years.

https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-aac-exit-fee-big-east-20190725-20190726-uao77ocncjf7foepsngivrimuy-story.html

"The conference is said to have sought a much higher exit fee while UConn tried to negotiate something closer to $15 million or below. The sides eventually found a compromise, which involves maintaining an aspect of their partnership because UConn has agreed to schedule four home-and-home basketball series with AAC teams, men’s or women’s. No teams or years have been assigned."

Well it kinda sucks that you guys will be stuck with 8 NET anchors on your OOC schedule over the next several years, but at least you'll finally be back to playing a conference schedule that can cover for all those cupcakes.

[Xudash]

UCONN to the Big East next summer:

Mike Anthony
‏@ManthonyCourant

American Athletic Conference set to announce UConn departure terms have been finalized.
Sources: UConn's exit fee will be $17 million, payable in lump sums of $5-plus million each of next two years (AAC withholding distribution money) and about $1 million annually for six years.

https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-aac-exit-fee-big-east-20190725-20190726-uao77ocncjf7foepsngivrimuy-story.html

"The conference is said to have sought a much higher exit fee while UConn tried to negotiate something closer to $15 million or below. The sides eventually found a compromise, which involves maintaining an aspect of their partnership because UConn has agreed to schedule four home-and-home basketball series with AAC teams, men’s or women’s. No teams or years have been assigned."

Sure, the AAC fans are right to believe that UConn isn't a big loss. Sure, no doubt about it....

[Hall2012]

UCONN to the Big East next summer:

Mike Anthony
‏@ManthonyCourant

American Athletic Conference set to announce UConn departure terms have been finalized.
Sources: UConn's exit fee will be $17 million, payable in lump sums of $5-plus million each of next two years (AAC withholding distribution money) and about $1 million annually for six years.

https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-mens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-aac-exit-fee-big-east-20190725-20190726-uao77ocncjf7foepsngivrimuy-story.html

"The conference is said to have sought a much higher exit fee while UConn tried to negotiate something closer to $15 million or below. The sides eventually found a compromise, which involves maintaining an aspect of their partnership because UConn has agreed to schedule four home-and-home basketball series with AAC teams, men’s or women’s. No teams or years have been assigned."

Sure, the AAC fans are right to believe that UConn isn't a big loss. Sure, no doubt about it....

Remember, these are the same people who honestly believe their league is in the same class as ours and are calling this a "lateral move" for UConn men's basketball. In short, they're not exactly the brightest bunch (Tulane grads aside, that's obviously a very good school).