On limo Larry and the latest bad press....cut bait, while you have a burning platform.

[ttowncoug]

The CEO group needs to go in another strategic direction. Larry just needs to be bought out. He can announce he's retiring.

The guy gets credit for building out better coverage with the Pac-12 network. Much of that was a bit of a "no brainer'....but he gets the credit.

Hire a true conference head focused on athletics.

Sell a piece of the network and outsource all of the management and staffing to a major network.

With budget holes related to COVID,. I'd sell 49% of the PAC-12 network to ESPN or FOX, and have them manage all it it, including distribution channels.

I'm guessing the entity sale, combined with more efficient broadcast operating costs and an expanding distribution network would realize significant annual profit distribution increases.

Pitch the idea now to the CEO group while the conferences are hungry for money. We have a burning platform. Schools need money. Politically University heads would be significantly pressured by politicians to get the money if it was offered while creating increased future revenue streams.

Retain a consulting firm to do all the heavy lifting. Use the rest of this year to unwind the enterprise. This isn't rocket science, but it's a tough call that needs to be made.

 

[SDCoug]

The CEO group needs to go in another strategic direction. Larry just needs to be bought out. He can announce he's retiring.

The guy gets credit for building out better coverage with the Pac-12 network. Much of that was a bit of a "no brainer'....but he gets the credit.

Hire a true conference head focused on athletics.

Sell a piece of the network and outsource all of the management and staffing to a major network.

With budget holes related to COVID,. I'd sell 49% of the PAC-12 network to ESPN or FOX, and have them manage all it it, including distribution channels.

I'm guessing the entity sale, combined with more efficient broadcast operating costs and an expanding distribution network would realize significant annual profit distribution increases.

Pitch the idea now to the CEO group while the conferences are hungry for money. We have a burning platform. Schools need money. Politically University heads would be significantly pressured by politicians to get the money if it was offered while creating increased future revenue streams.

Retain a consulting firm to do all the heavy lifting. Use the rest of this year to unwind the enterprise. This isn't rocket science, but it's a tough call that needs to be made.

While you’re at it, move the whole damn headquarters out of one of the most expensive markets in the country. I’ve got several acres in my pasture I can donate and the labor in Montana is cheap . Seriously though, why not Salt Lake rather than San Fran? I can’t imagine that wages and commercial real estate aren’t significantly cheaper in SL.

 

[etowncoug]

The time to sell to Disney or CBS was a year ago when entertainment industry profits were at an all time high and content providers were bidding up anything drawing eyeballs. If you think COVID has impacted college sports, it's done a more extreme number on the providers.

Disney is basically a three segment business. TV networks (sports), movies, and theme parks. All are hurting. They recently bought Fox which takes another bidder out of the equation. I don't see them paying a premium for a struggling network with little national interest. Are CBS, Comcast (NBC) or AT&T (Turner) going to outbid them to make it work our while? Probably not.

They need to find a way to Jedi mind trick Netflix into streaming their games and keeping an archive of P12 sporting events on the platform. Most American homes already have Netflix and they have the option for adding international distribution as well. It would get the produce in front of a lot of people, which over time would elevate the reputation of the conference.

 

[BiggsCoug]

While you’re at it, move the whole damn headquarters out of one of the most expensive markets in the country. I’ve got several acres in my pasture I can donate and the labor in Montana is cheap . Seriously though, why not Salt Lake rather than San Fran? I can’t imagine that wages and commercial real estate aren’t significantly cheaper in SL.

Or Vegas. Or Reno. Or Phoenix. Or anywhere cheaper.

Is this about student athletes and schools? Or is this more corporate greed?

And people wonder why players want more of the pie.... When the value of a scholarship escalates at the pace the pay of the coaches, admin and league officials does maybe they wont be so upset?

 

[95coug]

The time to sell to Disney or CBS was a year ago when entertainment industry profits were at an all time high and content providers were bidding up anything drawing eyeballs. If you think COVID has impacted college sports, it's done a more extreme number on the providers.

Disney is basically a three segment business. TV networks (sports), movies, and theme parks. All are hurting. They recently bought Fox which takes another bidder out of the equation. I don't see them paying a premium for a struggling network with little national interest. Are CBS, Comcast (NBC) or AT&T (Turner) going to outbid them to make it work our while? Probably not.

They need to find a way to Jedi mind trick Netflix into streaming their games and keeping an archive of P12 sporting events on the platform. Most American homes already have Netflix and they have the option for adding international distribution as well. It would get the produce in front of a lot of people, which over time would elevate the reputation of the conference.

Sell the live streaming, and maybe replay rights for a year. After that, the schools get exclusive rights to run their games on their own streaming platforms.

 

[95coug]

Or Vegas. Or Reno. Or Phoenix. Or anywhere cheaper.

Is this about student athletes and schools? Or is this more corporate greed?

And people wonder why players want more of the pie.... When the value of a scholarship escalates at the pace the pay of the coaches, admin and league officials does maybe they wont be so upset?

Vegas makes some sense, and maybe gives us a little more panache. Move all of our conference championships there, along with media days.

Bend is fairly neutral, and has good beer. Plenty of open space. And everything else from California has moved there in the last 20 years.

Boise. Not for any real practical reason, other than screw BSU.

 

[earldacoug]

I’d definitely move it out of Frisco. Salt Lake is a nice place, but I think the west Phoenix Valley is better, especially the weather. Build a new building near the I-10 and the 303 and own it, not lease. The west side is beautiful, way less traffic, way cheaper real estate, 30 mins from PHX airport. The only thing as dumb as not firing Larry Scott is keeping the offices in expensive Frisco.

 

[FnuLnu]

I’d definitely move it out of Frisco. Salt Lake is a nice place, but I think the west Phoenix Valley is better, especially the weather. Build a new building near the I-10 and the 303 and own it, not lease. The west side is beautiful, way less traffic, way cheaper real estate, 30 mins from PHX airport. The only thing as dumb as not firing Larry Scott is keeping the offices in expensive Frisco.

Hearing a site for an office building big enough to hold the Pac 12 HQ is being set aside next to the 60,000 neutral site stadium in Ellensburg.

 

[Ffffws]

Sell the rights, move HQ. Fire Larry boy. Hire someone from SEC/Big10/Acc.

 

[kayak15]

While you’re at it, move the whole damn headquarters out of one of the most expensive markets in the country. I’ve got several acres in my pasture I can donate and the labor in Montana is cheap . Seriously though, why not Salt Lake rather than San Fran? I can’t imagine that wages and commercial real estate aren’t significantly cheaper in SL.

Agree. I have thought for some time that if the conference is looking for a spot midway from the old Pac10 teams that the Sacramento area would serve as well and even a little better than San Francisco. All suggestions have been an improvement over the highest priced real estate on the coast. Hell, throw a dart at a map and you will hit somewhere cheaper. Any move would save the conference a bundle annually.

Does Limo Larry's contract have a stipulation that the headquarters be in downtown S.F.? If not, then why are the conference presidents putting up with this nonsense?

 

[BiggsCoug]

Vegas makes some sense, and maybe gives us a little more panache. Move all of our conference championships there, along with media days.

Bend is fairly neutral, and has good beer. Plenty of open space. And everything else from California has moved there in the last 20 years.

Boise. Not for any real practical reason, other than screw BSU.

Bend is awesome. Prob not the most logistical choice though.

 

[chugspig]

4 options for the new HQ:

Riverside CA
Reno NV
Gresham OR
Kent WA

 

[dgibbons]

While you’re at it, move the whole damn headquarters out of one of the most expensive markets in the country. I’ve got several acres in my pasture I can donate and the labor in Montana is cheap . Seriously though, why not Salt Lake rather than San Fran? I can’t imagine that wages and commercial real estate aren’t significantly cheaper in SL.

Vegas. There is not conference school there, so it’s neutral ground. The championship game and the basketball tourney are there. Very easy travel. Central location. And it’s cheap.

In other words none of what Larry wants.

 

[CougSinceBirth]

I’d definitely move it out of Frisco. Salt Lake is a nice place, but I think the west Phoenix Valley is better, especially the weather. Build a new building near the I-10 and the 303 and own it, not lease. The west side is beautiful, way less traffic, way cheaper real estate, 30 mins from PHX airport. The only thing as dumb as not firing Larry Scott is keeping the offices in expensive Frisco.

Didn't know we had offices in Frisco, TX...

 

[COUGinNCW]

4 options for the new HQ:

Riverside CA
Reno NV
Gresham OR
Kent WA

Moses Lake

 

[ttowncoug]

I like the Vegas idea.

LA might have some logic as well....namely, proximity to networks and studios to maximize those exposure relationships....the Pac-12 network could get re-brand and expand programming and distribution options.

 

[79COUG]

Moses Lake

Underrated....Palm Springs of Washington Part Deux....

 

[95coug]

Bend is awesome. Prob not the most logistical choice though.

But...there’s good beer.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

Vegas doesn't work; needs to be in a state with a PAC team. Sorry. Just won't go.

Needs at least mid-major airport access.

In the SoCal area, Ontario or a neighboring burb is the logical choice. Good airport, several good options.

In NorCal I'd pick somewhere that the Oakland airport was easy. Stay away from SFO and San Jose.

There is nowhere in W Oregon or W WA I'd want. Spokane is too small. Same for Tucson.

Denver's airport is frequently a problem. Salt Lake's airport is a little better. Phoenix has excellent air connections and is cheap because, really, who would want to live in Phoenix? Weather wise, it is like living in Vegas only with occasional humidity.

If it were strictly a business decision, I'd go with NorCal, SoCal or Phoenix. You could make a case for each. SoCal probably wins overall, but there is a case for each one. Salt Lake a distant 4th.

 

[dgibbons]

Vegas doesn't work; needs to be in a state with a PAC team. Sorry. Just won't go.

Needs at least mid-major airport access.

In the SoCal area, Ontario or a neighboring burb is the logical choice. Good airport, several good options.

In NorCal I'd pick somewhere that the Oakland airport was easy. Stay away from SFO and San Jose.

There is nowhere in W Oregon or W WA I'd want. Spokane is too small. Same for Tucson.

Denver's airport is frequently a problem. Salt Lake's airport is a little better. Phoenix has excellent air connections and is cheap because, really, who would want to live in Phoenix? Weather wise, it is like living in Vegas only with occasional humidity.

If it were strictly a business decision, I'd go with NorCal, SoCal or Phoenix. You could make a case for each. SoCal probably wins overall, but there is a case for each one. Salt Lake a distant 4th.

Why does the HQ need to be in a state with a pac-12 school? Nevada is friendlier for business than most other states west of the Mississippi.

 

[BiggsCoug]

Sell the rights, move HQ. Fire Larry boy. Hire someone from SEC/Big10/Acc.

But...there’s good beer.

Alcohol is for losers. Weed is for winners.

 

[BiggsCoug]

Vegas doesn't work; needs to be in a state with a PAC team. Sorry. Just won't go.

Needs at least mid-major airport access.

In the SoCal area, Ontario or a neighboring burb is the logical choice. Good airport, several good options.

In NorCal I'd pick somewhere that the Oakland airport was easy. Stay away from SFO and San Jose.

There is nowhere in W Oregon or W WA I'd want. Spokane is too small. Same for Tucson.

Denver's airport is frequently a problem. Salt Lake's airport is a little better. Phoenix has excellent air connections and is cheap because, really, who would want to live in Phoenix? Weather wise, it is like living in Vegas only with occasional humidity.

If it were strictly a business decision, I'd go with NorCal, SoCal or Phoenix. You could make a case for each. SoCal probably wins overall, but there is a case for each one. Salt Lake a distant 4th.

I want to live in Phoenix. With a jet boat that has a stripper pole on Lake Havasu. For the win.

 

[Coug90]

It’s quite impressive really that someone can be that bad at their job, make that much money, and have one of the fanciest digs in one of the most expensive areas of the country. As much as I despise that worthless asshole, I’d really like to know his secret of longevity.

 

[425cougfan]

Agree. I have thought for some time that if the conference is looking for a spot midway from the old Pac10 teams that the Sacramento area would serve as well and even a little better than San Francisco. All suggestions have been an improvement over the highest priced real estate on the coast. Hell, throw a dart at a map and you will hit somewhere cheaper. Any move would save the conference a bundle annually.

Does Limo Larry's contract have a stipulation that the headquarters be in downtown S.F.? If not, then why are the conference presidents putting up with this nonsense?

Same reason they've gone along with all of Larry's other bullshit. He has been feeding them a fantasy of a forward-looking, leading-edge conference that needs to be in an innovation/tech hub like SF for access to talent, ease of partnerships, and other garbage that isn't true. It was an ego play so he could be a media CEO in a "world-class" city and living big there with a high profile. It, like most things under Limo Larry, has been mainly about his personal enrichment and aggrandizement of his status.

Especially in the current environment, with a lot of good office space available just about anywhere for a lot less than it was 6 months ago, it's inexcusable for the conference to be shelling out big bucks for expensive real estate in SF.

As to the original post, it's been obvious since around 2014, if not 2011, that the way to go was cutting bait on Larry's pie-in-the-sky plan and going with a network partner. There's a reason the other Power 5s have all gone this route. It would have saved the member schools a lot of pain and made them a lot more money, and raised the profile of the conference, to do it from the beginning. Instead, the Pac-12 had to eat major start-up costs for a JV-level network with garbage distribution and little cross-promotion, getting very little in revs. If anyone analyzed the compounded value of the lost revenues, it would be staggering, and there's no way Larry makes it up in this next deal, even if he inexplicably still is around for it. Best case, we approach the lower end of what the other guys get, and that doesn't account for the hundreds of millions of dollars forgone in the interim.

This is one of those cases where I don't think people quite grasp the enormity of what I'm saying when I talk about these massive shortfalls. We're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars, with a related loss of coaches by Pac-12 schools to other conferences, falling behind in facilities, etc., and at the risk of being melodramatic, maybe even the incremental screw-up that leads to WSU being left out of the Power 5 equivalent in the next shake-up, owing to not getting the money it should have been getting this whole time and the Pac-12 as a whole, and its member schools, suffering on the national stage. I'm not saying that latter part definitely will happen, but if it does and that would not have happened but for Larry screwing this up, that sucks big-time.

Last thing here -- Netflix is a good thought as a potential suitor and maybe the one saving grace for the conference being in SF all these years and trying to position itself as aligned with Silicon Valley. That's crap, IMO, but Larry may have lucked into something here in a way that in no way was foreseeable all these years.

When you factor in the content cliff that the pandemic is creating, Netflix might be more motivated than it otherwise would have been to get more content and to diversify its library, potentially appealing to an incremental class of subs who otherwise wouldn't sign up. This especially is the case if Disney, which owns ESPN, starts putting sports on Disney Plus.