Looking at how the landscape of college sports is changing, I can’t see how this doesn’t lead to an increase in the number of games being played, especially in the revenue generating sports (football and basketball).
With super conferences, the only way to maintain a level of cohesion is to regularly play the other members. As these expand to 16, 20 or even more members, that will lead to greater demand and need to increase the total number of in-conference games. I don’t see eliminating OOC as an option, as that is what allows for the cohesion of the NCAA as a whole.
Also, with live TV now being the only tether for media outlets and cable providers, my guess is their demand for live sports will push the conferences to increase supply.
IMO this points to football expanding to a 15 game schedule (12 in conference), while basketball expands to 24 games in-conference.
College is going to continue to look more and more like pro sports, and we are only at the early stages of change.
With super conferences, the only way to maintain a level of cohesion is to regularly play the other members. As these expand to 16, 20 or even more members, that will lead to greater demand and need to increase the total number of in-conference games. I don’t see eliminating OOC as an option, as that is what allows for the cohesion of the NCAA as a whole.
Also, with live TV now being the only tether for media outlets and cable providers, my guess is their demand for live sports will push the conferences to increase supply.
IMO this points to football expanding to a 15 game schedule (12 in conference), while basketball expands to 24 games in-conference.
College is going to continue to look more and more like pro sports, and we are only at the early stages of change.
