I disagree with the SMU and TCU taking potential market share. Their fan bases really aren't very big, especially SMU which is basically non existent. The real market share were losing are all of the UT and OU T-shirt fans, but your point still stands.
Fundamentally we have a cultural problem that has been around for decades. If only a tiny fraction of our alumni base are willing to represent the brand, there's zero chance of taking share from the average T-shirt fan. Because of the PUF, the only 2 universities that your average normie likes to rep is UT and A&M. I know for certain that "stolen prestige" is a massive reason why these people exist. They get to walk around with UT shirts while having no affiliation with the school to feel good about accomplishments they've never earned. I'm skeptical its even possible to tap into this crowd anytime soon, but until our own graduates show pride, its a non-starter to start taking their share.
I am optimistic though about slow change thanks to the TUF, perceptions should slowly improve. The problem is UNT's perception as second choice commuter school is deeply ingrained in the minds of most of these people we're trying to take share from. Why associate with a "loser" when you can just buy a t-shirt from wal-mart and be a winner
All the large programs have monster budgets not because of their alums, its the t-shirt fan viewership driving the media dollars
I just don't see it. But, and this is a big one, if that league got Gonzaga and St. Nary's to join them, as I suspect they will, their basketball will be off the charts better than anything the AAC offers, since they would be bringing over Memphis, too. And I'm assuming they get the Nevada schools, as well as Utah State eventually, too, maybe even UNM.
If that league can offer SDSU, St. Mary's, Fresno State, Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, Gonzaga, UNLV, Nevada, Utah State, Colorado State, New Mexico, UTSA, Tulane, Memphis, and us, that would be a very strong basketball conference, which probably would totally be worth it, as your 3 revenue sports would greatly benefit over the AAC, by miles. And I think between the TV payouts and the increased in NCAA Tournament credits, it would be worth it.
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