OT: Conference Realignment

[jessej]

Why didn’t Delaware end up in the MAC? Have fun with those long road trips, Blue Hen fans.

to paraphrase my grandmother

"More money ain't always good money"

 

[phoenix-arizona]

This might be better suited for the hate thread, but I hate all these geographically stupid conferences.

 

[Old Man]

Why didn’t Delaware end up in the MAC? Have fun with those long road trips, Blue Hen fans.

Hope they talked to ODU before they decided to move conferences. I know my mom was overjoyed when ODU moved to the Sun Belt (again). In CUSA, she knew none of the teams and felt there were no rivalries or games she really cared about.

 

[Pablo]

Why didn’t Delaware end up in the MAC? Have fun with those long road trips, Blue Hen fans.

What To Know About UD’s Move To Conference USA In July 2025

University of Delaware Athletics believes the move to Conference USA in 2025 will position them well to create an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)

townsquaredelaware.com

"She pointed out that one of the things that people don’t realize is that UD had to be invited to join the conference.

'It wasn’t like we could just knock on somebody’s door and be like "Let us in," so we were fortunate enough that Conference USA invited us to join, and that was a great moment for us, and one that we’re really excited about and proud of,' she said."

 

[NewPatriot]

Why didn’t Delaware end up in the MAC?

Because the other MAC members didn't want to be hen pecked.

 

[GM Logo Guy]

Because the other MAC members didn't want to be hen pecked.

CUSA is sneaky good. Well very top heavy.

 

[daveshac]

Why didn’t Delaware end up in the MAC? Have fun with those long road trips, Blue Hen fans.

To get to the other side.

 

[NewPatriot]

To get to the other side.

Rim shot....(Crickets,)...tough crowd...

 

[NewPatriot]

CUSA is sneaky good. Well very top heavy.

Well they do have something to crow about..

 

[Pablo]

College basketball conference realignment 2025-26: Which teams are officially changing leagues on July 1

A handful of Division I programs are officially members of new conferences as of July 1

www.cbssports.com

Conference changes for 2025-26​

Delaware: CAA to CUSA
Missouri State: MVC to CUSA
New Haven: Division II to NEC
Seattle: WAC to WCC
UMass: Atlantic 10 to MAC

 

[phoenix-arizona]

Come on Charleston or Wilmington to the A10.

 

[GM Logo Guy]

Come on Charleston or Wilmington to the A10.

I’m not on board with adding Charleston or Wilmington to the A-10. They’re decent programs, but they still feel very “mid-major” to me and haven’t done much in the NCAA Tournament compared to the A-10’s history.

The current A-10 schools have real tournament pedigree.

 

[GMUgemini]

I’m not on board with adding Charleston or Wilmington to the A-10. They’re decent programs, but they still feel very “mid-major” to me and haven’t done much in the NCAA Tournament compared to the A-10’s history.

The current A-10 schools have real tournament pedigree.

It’s going to be Charleston. Bobby Cremins has been lobbying McGlade for years to get in. If the A10 expands back up to 15 or 16 Charleston is going to be the first team to get the invite.

And I will say this, I don’t like Charleston as a replacement for UMass, but if Fordham or La Salle decide to drop down to the MAAC or something, for sure Charleston would be a great replacement team for them.

I’m looking at Fordham’s commitment over the next 3-5. I think La Salle is getting itself together, but they need to make a choice in Brooklyn soon.

 

[phoenix-arizona]

I wonder if they will try to get back into the Boston Market with Umass leaving—BU or northeastern.

AI overview that appears in a Google search for a10 expansion:

The Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) is likely to explore expansion opportunities after UMass's departure for the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2025, though the conference has stated they are in no rush and will be selective. The A-10 currently has 14 members and has been actively discussing potential additions to bolster their conference and maintain their strong basketball presence.

Here's a more detailed look:
UMass's Departure:

• UMass is leaving the A-10 for the MAC starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
  
  
• This move leaves the A-10 with 14 members, creating an opportunity for expansion.
  

Potential Expansion Candidates:

• • Several schools have been mentioned as potential candidates for A-10 expansion, including:
    • • Belmont: A basketball-focused school in Nashville, potentially expanding the conference's footprint.
      • Furman: A good local rival for Davidson with strong basketball success.
      • Charleston: Has seen recent basketball success and is in a desirable location.
      • Northeastern: A successful basketball program with existing relationships with A-10 schools.
        

A-10 Considerations:

• • The A-10 is reportedly seeking to maintain its strong basketball profile and may prioritize schools with established basketball success.
    
  • The conference may also be looking for schools that can expand their geographic footprint, particularly to the south.
    
  • The A-10 recently signed a new media contract with increased coverage, which may influence expansion decisions.
    
  • The conference may also be considering revenue sharing models, which could impact the type of schools they seek to add.
    

In summary, while the A-10 is not in a rush to expand, the departure of UMass creates an opportunity for the conference to strengthen its position in college basketball, and various schools are being considered for potential addition.

 

[JimP]

Northeastern used to have FCS football, but dropped it a while back.

 

[phoenix-arizona]

Ah—thanks!

 

[JimP]

Ah—thanks!

Had a friend who worked in their SID many moons ago, otherwise no way I'd have known that. Guessing Northeastern gets it's best attendance/support in hockey.