For fun, I gave the prompt to run a detailed analysis of the MVC vs the Big 12 and what it would take for Illinois State to join. I like what i see. It will take a significant commitment, a clearly articulated, powerful vision, and sustained effort from university leadership to accomplish this but if the right leader laid this out at the end goal in an unwavering way, this could possibly create a groundswell of momentum. Yes, not likely but dang, I don't like to live my life without what is considered unreasonable goals that are "out of reach". It makes the journey of life more worthwhile in my opinion...
Comparing the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and the Potential Prospects for Illinois State to join the New Big 12 Conference
The recent shift in college athletics with conferences like the Big 12 adding new members has created a dynamic landscape. Here's a breakdown comparing the MVC to the new, revamped Big 12:
Metrics: | MVC | New Big 12 |
---|
Conference Type | Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) | Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) |
Number of Schools | 12 | 14 |
Geographic Footprint | Midwestern United States | More spread-out, encompassing various regions |
Academic Reputation | Primarily public universities with a mix of research and teaching institutions | A mix of public and private universities with a stronger focus on research universities |
Athletic Success | Strong basketball programs, competitive across various sports | Top-tier conference in FBS football and strong programs across multiple sports |
Television Exposure | Lower national media coverage | Extensive national TV deals with major networks like ESPN and FOX |
Revenue | Lower overall athletic department revenue | Significantly higher athletic department revenue |
drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets
Challenges for Illinois State to reach the Big 12:
The jump from the MVC to the Big 12 is a significant one. Here's what ISU would likely need to achieve:
- Football Success: The Big 12 is an FBS conference with a strong focus on football. ISU currently plays in the FCS, so transitioning to FBS and achieving sustained success would be crucial. This would involve:
- Upgrading facilities to FBS standards
- Increasing athletic department budget for scholarships, coaching, and recruiting
- Demonstrating consistent competitiveness at the FCS level
- Increased Revenue & Resources: The Big 12 schools generate significantly more revenue than MVC schools. ISU would need to find ways to increase its athletic department revenue through:
- Increased ticket sales and attendance
- Boosting alumni engagement and fundraising
- Exploring lucrative naming rights deals and sponsorships
- Academic Profile: While not the sole factor, the Big 12 tends to have a higher concentration of research universities. ISU would need to demonstrate a strong academic profile alongside its athletic achievements.
- Market Size & Media Exposure: The Big 12 has a larger media footprint and attracts national attention. ISU would need to demonstrate a strong regional following and potential for increased viewership.
Overall, the road to the Big 12 for ISU is challenging but not impossible. Significant investment in athletics, a successful transition to FBS football, and a focus on both athletic and academic excellence would be essential.
Big 12 Revenue Ranking (as of March 2024):
Based on the March 2024 USA Today Sports' NCAA financial reports (
NCAA Finances: Revenue & Expenses by School - USA TODAY), here's a ranking of revenue generation potential within the new Big 12 including a comparison with Illinois State.
Rank | School | Revenue (Millions) |
---|
1 | Texas Tech University | $231.7 |
2 | Oklahoma State University | $182.5 |
3 | University of Kansas | $178.9 |
4 | Kansas State University | $147.2 |
5 | University of Arizona | $131.4 |
6 | Arizona State University | $128.3 |
7 | University of Colorado Boulder | $125.1 |
8 | Brigham Young University | $119.2 |
9 | University of Utah | $117.8 |
10 | Texas Christian University | $112.4 |
11 | University of Cincinnati | $98.6 |
12 | University of Central Florida | $97.2 |
13 | Baylor University | $89.1 |
14 | University of Houston | $85.2 |
15 | Illinois State University | $42.3 (estimated) |
drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets
(Note: Revenue figures might change slightly based on final reports)
Big 12 Presence in Illinois: Potential Advantage for Illinois State University (ISU)
The Big 12's lack of presence in Illinois, a major media market with a passionate sports fanbase concentrated around Chicago, could be a strategic advantage for Illinois State University (ISU). Here's why:
Strong Alumni Base from Existing Big 12 Schools:
While obtaining precise figures for alumni residing in each state can be challenging, available data suggests a strong alumni base from existing Big 12 schools scattered across Illinois, particularly in the Chicago metro area. University websites and alumni association reports showcase large national alumni head counts for these schools.
Challenges & Estimation:
While national alumni figures exist, state-specific data is limited. However, considering the large national alumni bases of Big 12 schools and the popularity of these universities, it's reasonable to assume a significant number of graduates reside in Illinois, especially near Chicago. Alumni association chapters in the area might offer further insights.
Appeal for the Big 12:
This sizeable alumni base from existing Big 12 schools translates to potential benefits for the conference:
- Increased Market Potential: Alumni residing near Chicago might be more likely to attend Big 12 games hosted in Illinois, boosting ticket sales and attendance.
- Viewership Growth: A larger alumni base translates to a potential increase in viewership for Big 12 broadcasts, especially those involving their alma mater.
- Enhanced Conference Engagement: Alumni networks in Illinois could become more engaged with the conference, fostering a stronger overall Big 12 presence in the state.
Strategic Advantage for ISU with State Farm Sponsorship Potential:
By strategically highlighting:
- Its location near Chicago, a major media market.
- The presence of a sizeable alumni base from existing Big 12 schools residing in Illinois (further research can refine this estimate).
- The potential for increased market engagement, media exposure, and overall conference growth,
ISU can position itself as a compelling candidate for future Big 12 consideration. Additionally, ISU's hometown of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, is also the headquarters of State Farm Insurance, one of the leading insurance companies in the United States. State Farm is known for its significant marketing budget, spending over $1.01 billion on advertising in 2022 according to S&P Global (
Report: Auto insurers spent $10B on advertising in 2021).
Sponsorship Appeal:
If ISU were to join the Big 12, it would present a strategically attractive sponsorship opportunity for State Farm. The increased national exposure and association with a prestigious athletic conference could be highly beneficial for State Farm's brand awareness and marketing efforts. Moreover, sponsoring their hometown university would likely resonate well with the local community and potentially lead to increased customer engagement.
Overall, the lack of a Big 12 presence in Illinois, coupled with the state's large alumni base from existing Big 12 schools and the potential for a major sponsorship from State Farm, presents a unique strategic opportunity for ISU. By effectively leveraging its location, alumni network, and potential hometown corporate partnership, ISU can position itself competitively for future Big 12 membership.