Bilas says ACC should be at MSG

[EMT]

I would be very scared if the ACC adds Uconn to their lineup. Uconn would draw well anywhere in the NYC region.

Once every five years or so......

Not true. Connecticut has a solid following and that MetroNorth Express brought a large contingent from Fairfield County every year

The ACC ain't committing to MSG every year. That's my point.

[EMT]

I'm not saying the Big East offers no value to MSG. There's absolutely value in having a tenant who you know will be there the same week every year. It saves them the expense of working to book that space every year, set-up and breakdown is largely the same which improves costs and efficiency compared to an entirely new entity, it's 5 events (sessions) worth of revenue they know they're getting, and their brand is directly aligned with one of the biggest college hoops brands in the country. We definitely offer value to them.

However, if the Big East left MSG, MSG would be just fine. Business would continue as usual, they'd still make plenty of money, they'd get plenty of other cbb conference tournaments that they can charge higher rent for as 1-offs, and while it's possible they'll take a small hit, the company is large enough and has enough revenue streams that it would ultimately be perfectly fine.

The Big East, on the other hand, would take a massive blow to its brand and lose a huge recruiting tool. I wish I could say the Big East would be just fine and continue business as usual as well, but I'm not entirely convinced that would be true.

I agree. the Big East definitely needs to protect the BET at MSG. Its hugely important and maybe one of the major factors why the Big East is still a major conference

I guess I just can't agree that a business will toss aside a partner that is willing to commit to renting your facility basically into perpetuity in order to secure a twice a decade (at best) partner. These other CBB conferences probably couldn't even afford the rent for the perceived 1-offs.

[ecasadoSBU]

Once every five years or so......

Not true. Connecticut has a solid following and that MetroNorth Express brought a large contingent from Fairfield County every year

The ACC ain't committing to MSG every year. That's my point.

I got you. I agree. It doesn't make sense for MSG to kick the Big East out if the ACC doesn't commit to every year... and it's going to be hard for the ACC to commit every year to NYC...

[EMT]

Trust me if the ACC wants to commit to an annual contract, we are toast. Even if we get UConn.

[Bill Marsh]

What if the ACC and the B1G agreed to alternate?

BTW, we are booked through 2026.

[Hall2012]

Let me be clear here: I don't think the Big East is going to lose MSG. Like you guys have said, it's very unlikely that the B1G or ACC would make a permanent (or at least long term) move and it doesn't make sense for MSG to kick us (a known commodity) out to pursue 1-off deals every year. As long as we're paying our rent every year, that's all they care about and because of that we're fairly safe.

My point was just that they mean a lot more than that to us because they're part of our brand and a huge selling point for our league. Suppose, when the current contract expires, Barclay's Center or Prudential Center offered us a 15-year contract to host the Big East Tournament the same week every year at half the rent of MSG. Do you think the Big East would even consider it? On the flip side, if the ACC offered to pay MSG double the rent we're paying for a 15-year contract, they'd toss us aside in a heartbeat. Obviously an unrealistically extreme example, but just trying to illustrate the point I was trying to make.

[Hall2012]

What if the ACC and the B1G agreed to alternate?

BTW, we are booked through 2026.

Then it simply comes down to money and years. I'd like that, due to think due to our history and relationship with MSG, the joint B1G/ACC bid would have to beat us by a significant amount to displace us, but who knows. They're a business after all, and they're in it to make money.

[Hall2012]

Trust me if the ACC wants to commit to an annual contract, we are toast. Even if we get UConn.

That situation would definitely make UConn a priority for us. The crazy amount of fans they bring to MSG every year would help to offset the increased rent we'd have to pay to fight off the ACC. However, an 11th team would also force us to have a 3rd game on Wednesday (unless 11th place doesn't qualify for the BET, which I'd be against) and I don't if the contract is structured to further increase rent in that instance.

[adoraz]

Big East should be proactive, but not concerned.

1. We are good through 2026, period.
2. By then, who knows what our makeup will be. Maybe we add UConn. Maybe we add VCU and they turn into a power. Maybe SJU and Georgetown return to power and fill the arena. Also, don't forget SJU is the host for the NCAAs this year (along with MSG). SJU returning to power would be huge for a number of reasons.
3. It is unlikely the ACC would want to go to MSG every year. However, even if they did and won the bid what would stop us from making our tournament the week prior (similar to what the Big Ten will do)?
4. So, the only real threat would be if BOTH the ACC and Big Ten got into a bidding war and both beat us out for those 2 weeks. Again, this is extremely unlikely.
5. Absolute worst case, we go to Barclays. I don't see that happening though, and it's pointless to worry about things 10 years from now.

That said, VCU and Dayton would really help to fill the arena. Weren't they basically the only 2 fan bases at Barclays the past couple years?

[alduflux]

Why would the B1G not be interested in a yearly MSG tournament? Is travel really that big a deal? They sent their football champ to the Rose Bowl for one hundred years and didn't seam to mind the travel.