As much as TV networks have influenced conference expansion, they’d like you to believe otherwise.
In 2022, an FBS athletic director stressed that Fox and ESPN were “quietly” driving realignment by relaying valuations. It wasn’t long after that that the toothpaste was fully out of the tube. It was also just recently that Fox reportedly opposed UConn joining the Big 12, only for the conference to pause talks of expansion just a few days later.
TV networks are very much involved in realignment and conference expansion. Still, when it comes to the ACC adding SMU, California, and Stanford, ESPN’s messaging is that the conference did it of its own volition. That’s according to Jeramy Michiaels, an ESPN senior director who oversees the ACC Network and manages ESPN’s relationship with the league.
Michiaels made sure to note ESPN’s neutrality in conference expansion discussions.
In an interview with Brian Murphy of WRAL, he stated that while the network is willing to provide guidance on market advantages, they do not actively participate in discussions about specific schools. He also clarifies that ESPN does not have control over conference realignment decisions, and that the ACC’s expansion was solely the conference’s own initiative.
“We’re very careful to not be part of the expansion discussion,” Michiaels said. “So the conference will come to us and ask us questions that are more about what markets are advantageous, but we’re very, very careful to not be part of talking about specific schools.
“There was sort of a misperception that ESPN is involved and has control of that, and we absolutely do not. We will answer questions to the extent that we feel like we can, and we did with the ACC, but this was solely the ACC’s decision, and we’re excited about it.”
ESPN certainly didn’t push for the three aforementioned schools to join the conference, but still, the fact that the ACC sought guidance from ESPN on market advantages indicates that the network’s input is valued and can influence decisions. When it came to Big Ten expansion, Fox Sports is believed to take on a much more active role. Former Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said publicly the network brought extra money to the table to add Oregon and Washington to the Big Ten.
Although ESPN may not directly dictate specific schools for conference expansion, its role as a major television partner and ability to provide valuable market insights undoubtedly position it as a significant player in the realignment landscape.
While they may not have the same level of direct control as some might perceive, their influence is undeniable.
[WRAL]
