*** Official 2015 College Football Thread *** (13 Viewers)

[The Commish]

I think football comes first for 99% of all recruits. They are going to college for free based on football and most want to do well. The exception seems to be those that go (well, went, prior to Harbaugh) to Stanford.

The advantage isn't simply that they are guaranteed a scholarship. The advantage is that they aren't bound to a particular school.

For example, Florida St. Frosh LB Matthew Thomas did not want to go to Florida St. He wanted to go to Southern Cal. I'm pretty sure he was under the age of 18 on signing day, so he needed a parent to sign the NLI, too. His mom would not sign his NLI for Southern Cal. She told him he had to go to FSU. So, he signed an NLI with Florida St., grudgingly. A couple months later, he made a bunch of noise about wanting to get out of his NLI. He couldn't. There was no hardship. And, Florida St. refused to let him out of his NLI. Because of that, if he chose to go to Southern Cal anyway, he was going to lose a year of competition. He'd have three years to play three. He decided to remain at Florida St.

If Thomas had signed a scholarship agreement instead (or not signed an NLI at all), then he could have simply told Florida St. that he wasn't going there in May or June or whenever it was that he wanted out, contacted Southern Cal, asked if they had room, signed a scholarship agreement with them, and played last year at Southern Cal as he originally wanted.

Granted, it worked out for the best as a player since he saw PT before an injury and his team won a national title.

But, it's a huge advantage to a recruit to not be bound to a school lest you lose a year of competition if you change your mind. The NLI is a one-sided agreement that benefits ONLY the school. The scholarship agreement benefits the players and allows them the ability to go elsewhere should something happen between signing day and the start of fall camp in August.

I don't see how the scholarship allowance has anything to do with it. If he didn't ever sign a NLI, he wouldn't have been bound, regardless of how many scholarship agreements he signed. He's not bound to a school until he signs that NLI regardless of the scholarship agreement. To me, the only thing signing these things does is guarantee a scholarship. You asked if I thought that was a huge advantage and I said I didn't because most weren't there for school. I did acknowledge there are a few this would be a benefit for.

To you slider, I think it's a big advantage for the school these athletes sign their first scholarship agreement with. When it's signed, the school has unlimited access to the student while everyone else trying to recruit him has to abide by the silly rules. Not saying the loophole should be closed, just that it exists and how dumb it's existence is. That's all

 

[Slider6]

To you slider, I think it's a big advantage for the school these athletes sign their first scholarship agreement with. When it's signed, the school has unlimited access to the student while everyone else trying to recruit him has to abide by the silly rules. Not saying the loophole should be closed, just that it exists and how dumb it's existence is. That's all

Are you sure it's only the first school and not every school? I know Dalvin Cook signed with UM, UF, & FSU and I'm pretty sure that allowed all 3 staffs to keep recruiting him through the quiet/dead period until he enrolled at FSU.

 

[gump]

Bama fans: how is the recruiting going? Any qbs? Who is gonna start next year at qb? I've let all my subscriptions to Bama sites run out and can't find a free one worth a crap.

Recruiting has never been better. Likely Sabans top-scoring class...should finish a solid #1. If DB Humphrey fromBham commits as predicted, Bama will have 3 of the top 5 players, 4 of the top 10, and the top player from Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Alabama (according to the composite rankings).The QB signee is David Cornwell, the top player from Oklahoma...who has enrolled. But no one has a clue who the starter will be next season. Sims was the backup, but most doubt he ever starts. Rumors have had Del Rio (Jack's son) as the Fall surprise, and he could threaten to start. Otherwise most guys are too green (Cornwell).

That's where the play for FSU backup Coker comes into play. He could be a season maker.

So Luke Del Rio announced he's transferring today. He was a walk-on obviously wanting a scholarship...and all signs were pointing to him being a player in the QB competition. So Bama Fan is aflutter wondering if this means there is no scholarship because it's going to another new QB.

My thinking too.

Going to be a lot of hype for this kid...goes with the territory, but this would be so unique having been at a major program for 2 years and still have 2....here's Bruce Feldman jumping in:

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/bruce-feldman/24402411/the-rise-of-jacob-coker

"I've never had anybody with his size who throws it as well as he does," said FSU QB coach Randy Sanders who's been around big-time programs since his days as a Tennessee player in the mid-80s with the Vols star-crossed quarterback Tony Robinson. "Jake has a really quick release with tremendous arm strength. Rarely does it not spiral or not go where he wants it to go."

Asked if Coker's arm is even better than Winston, the resident Heisman winner, Sanders paused for a few breaths before saying, "Coker's arm is kind of at a different level. Jameis has a very special arm, and this isn't any knock against Jameis, but Jake's probably the best I've seen in 25 years at throwing it."

 

[GDogg]

To you slider, I think it's a big advantage for the school these athletes sign their first scholarship agreement with. When it's signed, the school has unlimited access to the student while everyone else trying to recruit him has to abide by the silly rules. Not saying the loophole should be closed, just that it exists and how dumb it's existence is. That's all

Are you sure it's only the first school and not every school? I know Dalvin Cook signed with UM, UF, & FSU and I'm pretty sure that allowed all 3 staffs to keep recruiting him through the quiet/dead period until he enrolled at FSU.

You can keep recruiting players through the quiet/dead period via telephone and texts. You just aren't allowed any in-person contact.

 

[The Commish]

To you slider, I think it's a big advantage for the school these athletes sign their first scholarship agreement with. When it's signed, the school has unlimited access to the student while everyone else trying to recruit him has to abide by the silly rules. Not saying the loophole should be closed, just that it exists and how dumb it's existence is. That's all

Are you sure it's only the first school and not every school? I know Dalvin Cook signed with UM, UF, & FSU and I'm pretty sure that allowed all 3 staffs to keep recruiting him through the quiet/dead period until he enrolled at FSU.

That's what the linked article says:

The changes benefit schools by removing many recruiting restrictions. Once a prospect has signed an agreement with a school, it may publicize his signing and communicate, free of normal NCAA-imposed limitations, with the prospect outside of a dead period.

However, only the program that a prospect signed with first is allowed such privileges.

 

[Premier]

Rumors coming out that Pruitt was banging like half the girls in the football office.

A month after the Jameis thing.

AT FSU WE LOVE PUUUUUSSSSSSY AND FOOTBALL

 

[whoknew]

Rumors coming out that Pruitt was banging like half the girls in the football office.

A month after the Jameis thing.

AT FSU WE LOVE PUUUUUSSSSSSY AND FOOTBALL

Well, I mean, yea. Who doesn't?

 

[Premier]

Rumors coming out that Pruitt was banging like half the girls in the football office.

A month after the Jameis thing.

AT FSU WE LOVE PUUUUUSSSSSSY AND FOOTBALL

Well, I mean, yea. Who doesn't?

Gator fans.

 

[The Commish]

I guess Tenn is still a bit butt hurt over Lane. I will say the "father/son" pic around 1 minute is pretty damn funny.

Link

 

[gump]

I guess Tenn is still a bit butt hurt over Lane. I will say the "father/son" pic around 1 minute is pretty damn funny.

That pic is from Step Brothers. I've received it 8 times via email.

 

[Christo]

BOOMER!

 

[Christo]

Bama Motivation

 

[psychobillies]

Bama Motivation

Good job Nick. Put it all on the kids. Not like you were outcoached vs. OU or anything. Oh, and nice job getting ready for the field goal return vs. Auburn.

 

[gump]

Bama Motivation

Good job Nick. Put it all on the kids. Not like you were outcoached vs. OU or anything. Oh, and nice job getting ready for the field goal return vs. Auburn.

He's been doing similar things for years.

 

[psychobillies]

Bama Motivation

Good job Nick. Put it all on the kids. Not like you were outcoached vs. OU or anything. Oh, and nice job getting ready for the field goal return vs. Auburn.

He's been doing similar things for years.

Yeah. Kind of hard to argue with the results, just seems like a #### move to me.

 

[Keerock]

Bama Motivation

Good job Nick. Put it all on the kids. Not like you were outcoached vs. OU or anything. Oh, and nice job getting ready for the field goal return vs. Auburn.

He's been doing similar things for years.

Yeah. Kind of hard to argue with the results, just seems like a #### move to me.

Like taking 3 strokes on a hole at a golf course that has designated said whole as a par 3.

 

[FDAS]

Cappy, I'm going to need an explanation

 

[Tiger Fan]

Anyone know where to find a 2014 week-by-week college FB schedule? All I can find are the team-by-team.

 

[Slider6]

Anyone know where to find a 2014 week-by-week college FB schedule? All I can find are the team-by-team.

Week by Week aren't out for every team yet. ACC just announced their schedule will be out tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Anyone know where to find a 2014 week-by-week college FB schedule? All I can find are the team-by-team.

Week by Week aren't out for every team yet. ACC just announced their schedule will be out tomorrow afternoon.

Usually it's mid-February. Guess they got faster computers

 

[gump]

FSU QB Jacob Coker has officially been granted his release. Schools are lined up to recruit him, but Alabama still considered the big favorite.

He graduates in May, so will miss Spring ball for whatever school he chooses. I'm not clear though how much contact he can have.

 

[gump]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

 

[Premier]

Isn't Alabama 8-1 for the title next year? Some people might want to get on that before they announce Coker. Although if he doesn't make it there till August, it might negate the positives.

 

[The Commish]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

 

[gump]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

Currently B1G charges $1...SEC will be $1.30.

 

[The Commish]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

Currently B1G charges $1...SEC will be $1.30.

Ok...this is based on the 07 deal then....makes sense. Will be interesting to see what happens when the B1G comes back around for negotiations in the next couple years. They've added a significant market in the Washington/NY area since 07. I suspect they and the SEC will flip flop for the rest of eternity on their deal renewals. I'm sorta surprised it's not more for the SEC given the fact that the $1 mark was the going rate 7 years ago.

 

[The Commish]

Don't look now. Under Armour unis are spreading

 

[gump]

Don't look now. Under Armour unis are spreading

They got this deal because Nike didn't think it was financially sensible, which is saying a lot considering how much Nike dislikes UA. But I don't think Nike will lose any school they want to keep...so UA will only spread so far.

Don't be surprised if Nike takes the NBA from Adidas in 2 years also.

 

[The Commish]

Don't look now. Under Armour unis are spreading

They got this deal because Nike didn't think it was financially sensible, which is saying a lot considering how much Nike dislikes UA. But I don't think Nike will lose any school they want to keep...so UA will only spread so far.

Don't be surprised if Nike takes the NBA from Adidas in 2 years also.

Let's hope you're right with regard to UA....MD was bad enough, but manageable since they were in the ACC and I didn't have to see them ever. Now they are in the B1G so I'll likely see them every couple weeks. With ND, they'll be on every week.

 

[culdeus]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

Currently B1G charges $1...SEC will be $1.30.

Ok...this is based on the 07 deal then....makes sense. Will be interesting to see what happens when the B1G comes back around for negotiations in the next couple years. They've added a significant market in the Washington/NY area since 07. I suspect they and the SEC will flip flop for the rest of eternity on their deal renewals. I'm sorta surprised it's not more for the SEC given the fact that the $1 mark was the going rate 7 years ago.

At the rate people are cutting cable it is not out of the question rights fees have peaked. Furthermore, with some of the local affiliates broadcasting NBA/MLB teams there is an equity component to it. There is not a way to extract an equity component for an NCAA user base. If the bubble pops it's college sports that pops first imo.

 

[The Commish]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

Currently B1G charges $1...SEC will be $1.30.

Ok...this is based on the 07 deal then....makes sense. Will be interesting to see what happens when the B1G comes back around for negotiations in the next couple years. They've added a significant market in the Washington/NY area since 07. I suspect they and the SEC will flip flop for the rest of eternity on their deal renewals. I'm sorta surprised it's not more for the SEC given the fact that the $1 mark was the going rate 7 years ago.

At the rate people are cutting cable it is not out of the question rights fees have peaked. Furthermore, with some of the local affiliates broadcasting NBA/MLB teams there is an equity component to it. There is not a way to extract an equity component for an NCAA user base. If the bubble pops it's college sports that pops first imo.

If there is a shift away from cable/sat, I have to believe these conferences are smart enough to follow the users to their replacements. While it's true that folks are turning away from cable/sat to some extent, they are turning towards something to replace it. They aren't turning away from TV all together.

 

[Slapdash]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Hope DirecTV gets on this soon, don't want to be back with TWC. This network is going to make some money.

 

[culdeus]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

Currently B1G charges $1...SEC will be $1.30.

Ok...this is based on the 07 deal then....makes sense. Will be interesting to see what happens when the B1G comes back around for negotiations in the next couple years. They've added a significant market in the Washington/NY area since 07. I suspect they and the SEC will flip flop for the rest of eternity on their deal renewals. I'm sorta surprised it's not more for the SEC given the fact that the $1 mark was the going rate 7 years ago.

At the rate people are cutting cable it is not out of the question rights fees have peaked. Furthermore, with some of the local affiliates broadcasting NBA/MLB teams there is an equity component to it. There is not a way to extract an equity component for an NCAA user base. If the bubble pops it's college sports that pops first imo.

If there is a shift away from cable/sat, I have to believe these conferences are smart enough to follow the users to their replacements. While it's true that folks are turning away from cable/sat to some extent, they are turning towards something to replace it. They aren't turning away from TV all together.

No, but you can't get the massive rights fees.

Lets take for example the Dodgers rights fee. They netted something on the order of 150MM/year and an equity stake worth (with incentives) 15-50% of the network. The equity stake component is not super clear to me. The cash I understand.

In the LA market they are only counting on 10% of people watching the Dodgers for 2 hours a YEAR to clear production costs. Everything after that is gravy. From where? Carriage fees charged to the 90% of LA residents that don't give a #### about MLB enough to even watch 1 inning.

Now lets operate in a world where the 90% have an option. Cut your cable bill by 50% and get no sports, cut it by 100% and get nothing, or cut it by 0 and continue to see rising rates. Where would people fall. The no-sports option doesn't exist yet, but it might. The no nothing option does exist.

Currently MLB blacks out local channels. It's not that hard to get around, but it's doable. For this privledge they charge about 200 bucks a year. With enough coupon savvy you can get that down to 100 easily.

What would the hardcore fans in LA bring at 100 a pop to the Dodgers? A hell of a lot less than 150MM and no equity stake.

Now take that to college football and see where the money lines up. Is it better, maybe. Maybe not though. There are still networks wanting to put this OTA.

 

[The Commish]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

Currently B1G charges $1...SEC will be $1.30.

Ok...this is based on the 07 deal then....makes sense. Will be interesting to see what happens when the B1G comes back around for negotiations in the next couple years. They've added a significant market in the Washington/NY area since 07. I suspect they and the SEC will flip flop for the rest of eternity on their deal renewals. I'm sorta surprised it's not more for the SEC given the fact that the $1 mark was the going rate 7 years ago.

At the rate people are cutting cable it is not out of the question rights fees have peaked. Furthermore, with some of the local affiliates broadcasting NBA/MLB teams there is an equity component to it. There is not a way to extract an equity component for an NCAA user base. If the bubble pops it's college sports that pops first imo.

If there is a shift away from cable/sat, I have to believe these conferences are smart enough to follow the users to their replacements. While it's true that folks are turning away from cable/sat to some extent, they are turning towards something to replace it. They aren't turning away from TV all together.

No, but you can't get the massive rights fees.

Lets take for example the Dodgers rights fee. They netted something on the order of 150MM/year and an equity stake worth (with incentives) 15-50% of the network. The equity stake component is not super clear to me. The cash I understand.

In the LA market they are only counting on 10% of people watching the Dodgers for 2 hours a YEAR to clear production costs. Everything after that is gravy. From where? Carriage fees charged to the 90% of LA residents that don't give a #### about MLB enough to even watch 1 inning.

Now lets operate in a world where the 90% have an option. Cut your cable bill by 50% and get no sports, cut it by 100% and get nothing, or cut it by 0 and continue to see rising rates. Where would people fall. The no-sports option doesn't exist yet, but it might. The no nothing option does exist.

Currently MLB blacks out local channels. It's not that hard to get around, but it's doable. For this privledge they charge about 200 bucks a year. With enough coupon savvy you can get that down to 100 easily.

What would the hardcore fans in LA bring at 100 a pop to the Dodgers? A hell of a lot less than 150MM and no equity stake.

Now take that to college football and see where the money lines up. Is it better, maybe. Maybe not though. There are still networks wanting to put this OTA.

I can see your point. I'll be honest and tell you that I was posting from a perspective that's much different. I live in an area where MOST people I know sign up for ATT-Uverse, cable etc for football season alone. After it's over, they go back to their antenna. So when I posted, those were the people I was thinking about. I am absolutely confident those folks would pay for a seasonal package (much like sunday ticket) if it were to be offered after all the cable and sat deals fall through because no one is on them anymore.

 

[GDogg]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Hope DirecTV gets on this soon, don't want to be back with TWC. This network is going to make some money.

The SEC has a far more rabid fanbase than the Pac-12, but DirecTV has not picked up the Pac-12 network yet, despite it being picked up by Dish, ATT, Comcast (or Charter?) and others. The sub fee the Pac-12 network negotiated with the other distributors supposedly is too high for DirecTV and the Pac-12 won't give DirecTV a discount.

I'm interested to see what they do with the SEC Network. DirecTV Pac-12 fans would be pretty pissed off if they agree to a $1.30 sub fee with the SEC when they refused an $.80 fee (I think) for the Pac-12 network.

In comparison here, the Lakers' channel costs $3.40 per subscriber.

 

[The Commish]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Hope DirecTV gets on this soon, don't want to be back with TWC. This network is going to make some money.

The SEC has a far more rabid fanbase than the Pac-12, but DirecTV has not picked up the Pac-12 network yet, despite it being picked up by Dish, ATT, Comcast (or Charter?) and others. The sub fee the Pac-12 network negotiated with the other distributors supposedly is too high for DirecTV and the Pac-12 won't give DirecTV a discount.

I'm interested to see what they do with the SEC Network. DirecTV Pac-12 fans would be pretty pissed off if they agree to a $1.30 sub fee with the SEC when they refused an $.80 fee (I think) for the Pac-12 network.

In comparison here, the Lakers' channel costs $3.40 per subscriber.

There's no incentive for DirecTV to reduce the rate out there. Their primary users are in the NE, SE and flyover states. It sucks for those few guys out in P12 land that do care about the network.

ETA: Aren't there states out there that are suing Directv? I thought I read recently where the state of Washington had issue with DTV and was suing them for something....not up on the specifics. Stuff like that doesn't help either

 

[Tiger Fan]

I know it's not a great comparison, but what the WWE is doing with their new channel is great giving WWE fans who once might have only subscribed to cable for WWE a chance to completely cut the cord.

WWE Network will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on: Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android, iOS, Roku streaming devices, PlayStation 3 & 4 and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select Smart TVs, will follow in the summer of 2014. Vince McMahon has stated that all 12 WWE pay-per-views will be featured on the network for no additional charge, starting withWrestleMania XXX.[8][9

 

[The Commish]

I know it's not a great comparison, but what the WWE is doing with their new channel is great giving WWE fans who once might have only subscribed to cable for WWE a chance to completely cut the cord.

WWE Network will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on: Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android, iOS, Roku streaming devices, PlayStation 3 & 4 and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select Smart TVs, will follow in the summer of 2014. Vince McMahon has stated that all 12 WWE pay-per-views will be featured on the network for no additional charge, starting withWrestleMania XXX.[8][9

Smart TVs are probably going to end up screwing cable companies. The catch here is, the cable providers providing TV content also control internet most of the time. They can simply refuse to broadcast from specific sources if they want. Today watchESPN isn't everywhere for example. It's going to be an interesting battle but I suspect that internet access charges will go up significantly if they start losing substantial subscribers to their TV content. Will be interesting to watch.

 

[GDogg]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Hope DirecTV gets on this soon, don't want to be back with TWC. This network is going to make some money.

The SEC has a far more rabid fanbase than the Pac-12, but DirecTV has not picked up the Pac-12 network yet, despite it being picked up by Dish, ATT, Comcast (or Charter?) and others. The sub fee the Pac-12 network negotiated with the other distributors supposedly is too high for DirecTV and the Pac-12 won't give DirecTV a discount.

I'm interested to see what they do with the SEC Network. DirecTV Pac-12 fans would be pretty pissed off if they agree to a $1.30 sub fee with the SEC when they refused an $.80 fee (I think) for the Pac-12 network.

In comparison here, the Lakers' channel costs $3.40 per subscriber.

There's no incentive for DirecTV to reduce the rate out there. Their primary users are in the NE, SE and flyover states. It sucks for those few guys out in P12 land that do care about the network.

ETA: Aren't there states out there that are suing Directv? I thought I read recently where the state of Washington had issue with DTV and was suing them for something....not up on the specifics. Stuff like that doesn't help either

I actually forgot about it, but yes, Washington did, too. So did Miami-Dade Consumer Services and a few others. DirecTV settled with them and actually changed their practices. In 2009, there was a $480 early termination fee. It's now based on how many months are remaining on your contract.

I doubt DirecTV is holding a grudge for that, though. Dish Network was sued by 46 states.

 

[The Commish]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Hope DirecTV gets on this soon, don't want to be back with TWC. This network is going to make some money.

The SEC has a far more rabid fanbase than the Pac-12, but DirecTV has not picked up the Pac-12 network yet, despite it being picked up by Dish, ATT, Comcast (or Charter?) and others. The sub fee the Pac-12 network negotiated with the other distributors supposedly is too high for DirecTV and the Pac-12 won't give DirecTV a discount.

I'm interested to see what they do with the SEC Network. DirecTV Pac-12 fans would be pretty pissed off if they agree to a $1.30 sub fee with the SEC when they refused an $.80 fee (I think) for the Pac-12 network.

In comparison here, the Lakers' channel costs $3.40 per subscriber.

There's no incentive for DirecTV to reduce the rate out there. Their primary users are in the NE, SE and flyover states. It sucks for those few guys out in P12 land that do care about the network.

ETA: Aren't there states out there that are suing Directv? I thought I read recently where the state of Washington had issue with DTV and was suing them for something....not up on the specifics. Stuff like that doesn't help either

I actually forgot about it, but yes, Washington did, too. So did Miami-Dade Consumer Services and a few others. DirecTV settled with them and actually changed their practices. In 2009, there was a $480 early termination fee. It's now based on how many months are remaining on your contract.

I doubt DirecTV is holding a grudge for that, though. Dish Network was sued by 46 states.

gotcha....I wasn't sure what it was over.

 

[culdeus]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Is this comparison of what is coming in the new B1G deal or the original from 07 timeframe?

Currently B1G charges $1...SEC will be $1.30.

Ok...this is based on the 07 deal then....makes sense. Will be interesting to see what happens when the B1G comes back around for negotiations in the next couple years. They've added a significant market in the Washington/NY area since 07. I suspect they and the SEC will flip flop for the rest of eternity on their deal renewals. I'm sorta surprised it's not more for the SEC given the fact that the $1 mark was the going rate 7 years ago.

At the rate people are cutting cable it is not out of the question rights fees have peaked. Furthermore, with some of the local affiliates broadcasting NBA/MLB teams there is an equity component to it. There is not a way to extract an equity component for an NCAA user base. If the bubble pops it's college sports that pops first imo.

If there is a shift away from cable/sat, I have to believe these conferences are smart enough to follow the users to their replacements. While it's true that folks are turning away from cable/sat to some extent, they are turning towards something to replace it. They aren't turning away from TV all together.

No, but you can't get the massive rights fees.

Lets take for example the Dodgers rights fee. They netted something on the order of 150MM/year and an equity stake worth (with incentives) 15-50% of the network. The equity stake component is not super clear to me. The cash I understand.

In the LA market they are only counting on 10% of people watching the Dodgers for 2 hours a YEAR to clear production costs. Everything after that is gravy. From where? Carriage fees charged to the 90% of LA residents that don't give a #### about MLB enough to even watch 1 inning.

Now lets operate in a world where the 90% have an option. Cut your cable bill by 50% and get no sports, cut it by 100% and get nothing, or cut it by 0 and continue to see rising rates. Where would people fall. The no-sports option doesn't exist yet, but it might. The no nothing option does exist.

Currently MLB blacks out local channels. It's not that hard to get around, but it's doable. For this privledge they charge about 200 bucks a year. With enough coupon savvy you can get that down to 100 easily.

What would the hardcore fans in LA bring at 100 a pop to the Dodgers? A hell of a lot less than 150MM and no equity stake.

Now take that to college football and see where the money lines up. Is it better, maybe. Maybe not though. There are still networks wanting to put this OTA.

I can see your point. I'll be honest and tell you that I was posting from a perspective that's much different. I live in an area where MOST people I know sign up for ATT-Uverse, cable etc for football season alone. After it's over, they go back to their antenna. So when I posted, those were the people I was thinking about. I am absolutely confident those folks would pay for a seasonal package (much like sunday ticket) if it were to be offered after all the cable and sat deals fall through because no one is on them anymore.

This is exactly what I do. But think of what happens if the ATT user base splits off where sports fans get a tier. Their whole model blows up the Fox Sports model and the entire system starts coming unraveled.

I think ultimately ESPN will own all the college sports rights for all the major conferences and sell a package for the 2nd tier games.

The 1st tier games will likely continue to be on even basic no-sports cable as well as OTA.

The question is what can ESPN get away with charging for the 2nd tier programming. I would think they would need fees on the order of 299/sub or sub to a premium tier of cable at 45/mo ish. Any way you cut it that's probably going to only net half the current revenue. MLB and NBA are in far worse shape though.

Take the Rangers for example locally. FSN pays them 150MM. It's estimated in DFW less than 40,000 subs watch more than 2 hours of live baseball a week and less than 500k unique viewers watch even one inning of baseball all year long. Lets just for argument say that FSN got dropped on all basic packages like the Houston Astros did in Houston and people could pay for the experience. If you could get 200k people to pay $200 bucks a sub that's not even enough to pay the infield.

To keep these huge fees coming in thru 2020 it's going to take a $150 basic cable bill to do it. I just don't see it happening. People are bailing. Fast.

 

[Tom Servo]

The SEC Network is charging more than any other conference network (30% more than the B1G), but appears to be off to a good start with tentative agreements with Dish and ATT...Time Warner and Comcast in discussion.

http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/01/13/Media/SEC-net.aspx?

Hope DirecTV gets on this soon, don't want to be back with TWC. This network is going to make some money.

The SEC has a far more rabid fanbase than the Pac-12, but DirecTV has not picked up the Pac-12 network yet, despite it being picked up by Dish, ATT, Comcast (or Charter?) and others. The sub fee the Pac-12 network negotiated with the other distributors supposedly is too high for DirecTV and the Pac-12 won't give DirecTV a discount.

I'm interested to see what they do with the SEC Network. DirecTV Pac-12 fans would be pretty pissed off if they agree to a $1.30 sub fee with the SEC when they refused an $.80 fee (I think) for the Pac-12 network.

In comparison here, the Lakers' channel costs $3.40 per subscriber.

If DTV booted the Weather Channel off for asking for an increase in carriage fees, there would have to be a serious market for them to accept SECTV. However, I think the state of Alabama would pretty much pay for that.

 

[Premier]

ACC schedule is out. SPOILER: FSU is going to win it again.

 

[gump]

ACC schedule is out. SPOILER: FSU is going to win it again.

Saw that...all big games at home except Miami, right? Nice OOC game to start with Ok St...and the addition of Louisville.

 

[The Commish]

FSU QB Jacob Coker has officially been granted his release. Schools are lined up to recruit him, but Alabama still considered the big favorite.

He graduates in May, so will miss Spring ball for whatever school he chooses. I'm not clear though how much contact he can have.

This the reason for the Ricky Town decommit from Alabama??

 

[gump]

FSU QB Jacob Coker has officially been granted his release. Schools are lined up to recruit him, but Alabama still considered the big favorite.He graduates in May, so will miss Spring ball for whatever school he chooses. I'm not clear though how much contact he can have.

This the reason for the Ricky Town decommit from Alabama??

I don think so. Coker only has 2 years, so would only overlap 1 with Town. Since USC cleaned house at the end of the season, there has been speculation that Town may decide to stay home. I think that's all it is. Kiffin probably didn't help...but I'm not sure Nussmeier staying would have either.

 

[whoknew]

FSU QB Jacob Coker has officially been granted his release. Schools are lined up to recruit him, but Alabama still considered the big favorite.He graduates in May, so will miss Spring ball for whatever school he chooses. I'm not clear though how much contact he can have.

This the reason for the Ricky Town decommit from Alabama??

I don think so. Coker only has 2 years, so would only overlap 1 with Town. Since USC cleaned house at the end of the season, there has been speculation that Town may decide to stay home. I think that's all it is. Kiffin probably didn't help...but I'm not sure Nussmeier staying would have either.

Good guess. Guy CLEARLY doesn't like Kiffin.

 

[The Commish]

FSU QB Jacob Coker has officially been granted his release. Schools are lined up to recruit him, but Alabama still considered the big favorite.He graduates in May, so will miss Spring ball for whatever school he chooses. I'm not clear though how much contact he can have.

This the reason for the Ricky Town decommit from Alabama??

I don think so. Coker only has 2 years, so would only overlap 1 with Town. Since USC cleaned house at the end of the season, there has been speculation that Town may decide to stay home. I think that's all it is. Kiffin probably didn't help...but I'm not sure Nussmeier staying would have either.

Good guess. Guy CLEARLY doesn't like Kiffin.

Hadn't thought about this angle.

 

[gump]

Sark and Co are doing a great job keeping the conversation away from how bad the USC roster will be in for the next 4 years.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Town end up at Stanford because of it.

 

[whoknew]

Sark and Co are doing a great job keeping the conversation away from how bad the USC roster will be in for the next 4 years.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Town end up at Stanford because of it.

You think he'll leave USC after he gets there, or will never enroll?