If I could form my own…

Recently, a group of my online buddies were talking about college athletics.

Whether it’s was about the NCAA, ACC or the CFP, it was unanimous it needed to be blown up. After decades of failed conference realignment, NIL, Transfer Portal, Network Control, fans across the country are beginning to leave the sport we love.

Our conversations led to fixing the problems. Here's where we landed...

First, the group agreed a total breakaway from the NCAA is needed in the form of a new association. For discussion purposes only, we it the United Athletic Association (UAA).

Next, it was agreed needed strategic goals and objectives. While there was debate over the difference between goal and objective, we settled on the following goals.

A. A return to regionalization

B. Schools in major TV markets across the country

C. Major brands in both football and basketball.

D. Exclusive anchor media partner(s)

It was also agreed that such an association would need strength in numbers, between 40 and 48 full member schools.

Next, it was agreed, after much debate, the CEO/Commissioner should be Josh Pate. a long time advocate for the fans and web anchor and personality. We needed an outgoing and vocal face of the association.

Next, we all agreed, although not in detail, the Big-12 and ACC schools should be the base of the new association. Notice I said the “base,” not the ACC and Big-12 conferences. Too much good-old-boy politics.

Next, it was agree to organize into four divisions (North, South, Central and West). Each division would be geographically based with 10-12 schools.

NORTH: Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Memphis, Vanderbilt, UConn, Virginia, West Virginia, Syracuse, Army, Navy, Boston College

SOUTH: Virginia Tech, UNC, Duke, NC State, Clemson, Georgia Tech, FSU, Miami, UCF, USF, Tulane, Liberty

CENTRAL: Cincinnati, SMU, TCU, Baylor, Houston, UTSA, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State

WEST: BYU, Utah, Boise State, Colorado, Air Force, Arizona, Arizona State, UNLV, California, Stanford, Oregon State, Washington State

Each school would play an eleven-game regular season division schedule with one cross over game. The four division champions will participate in a playoff for the UAA national championship.

Finally and most important, we needed an anchor media partner. We decided to approach NBC/Peacock as our anchor media partner, with multiple secondary networks. Notre Dame has a long-standing relationship with NBC and may influence the Irish decision to relinquish their independence.

We hope to broadcast games four days a week (Wed-Sat.) totaling 10 games a week. Here’s a sample weekly broadcast model… (all times eastern)

Wednesday:

7:00 p.m. North Division

10:00 p.m West Division

Thursday:

7:00 p.m. South Division

10:00 p.m. Central Division

Friday:

7:00 p.m. Central Division

10:00 p.m. West Division

Saturday:

11:00 a.m. North Division

2:00 p.m. South Division

5:00 p.m. Central Division

8:00 p.m. West Division

BOTTOM LINE:

There you go, folks! All boxes checked.

A solid return to regional competition and tradition. We owe it to our loyal college fans,

Schools in or near the major markets of Chicago, New York, Dallas-Ft.Worth, Houston, Atlanta, San Francisco, Miami, Baltimore-Washington, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Las Vegas, Louisville, Memphis, Salt Lake City, Orlando, San Antonio and New Orleans. Major presence in the key recruiting states of Florida, Texas, California and Georgia.

The major brands of Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami, Florida State in football and Duke, UConn, UNC, Kansas in basketball.

Finally, an anchor media partner in NBC/Peacock. Financial strength and security to rival the SEC and Big Ten schools.

We can dream.

GO CANES!