Rutgers will not be left out in the cold when the expansion dust settles…..

Rutgers will not be left out in the cold when the expansion dust settles…..

As we have learned in real-estate investing, it is all about location, location, location, and location. Times have changed from when Rutgers was relegated to be a Big East leftovers, like a turkey carcass picked clean after a Thanksgivings day dinner by the ACC, or American Athletic conference startup (anyone from anywhere can join. All applications will be considered). RU is in the B1G because of Academics and media market. Top 100 Media Markets | News Generation | Broadcast Media Relations. (See if you can find many SEC markets represented in the top 30. SEC has maybe two, while the B1G boasts 4 in the top 10, 7 in the top 20, and 9 in the top 28.).

When the dominos fall, one thing for sure is that RU will be in the final mix. Why? Let’s go one step further Money Money Money! It is all about media markets (cable subscribers to be more specific), and as we all know top football and basketball brands are important nationally, but teams within the top TV markets are critical to drive subscribers. As like in the movie Jerry Maguire….SHOW ME THE MONEY! Last I checked there is only one Power 5 team in the most lucrative and #1 media market. Welcome to Rutgers!

Now you will say quality of team is important, hard to argue that, but unless college football no longer requires a college or university to have a football and/or basketball team in an NCAA conference, Rutgers will be in the mix.

Let’s also not diminish the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) movement. It is early in the NIL game and the top college brands are making significant head way with players securing lucrative deals. It is just a matter of time, when the RU product on the athletic fields translates into significant NIL compensation that comes with being in the premier media market (talent will follow the money).

It is also important to note that Rutgers being in the conference will benefit all others, as they have significant alumni in the NYC/tri-state area. Oh BTW, Rutgers has entered the arms race in a big way by improving their facilities and have a near term plan to up the ante. Rutgers has finally moved off the Thanksgiving Day B1G kiddie table and move on to the adult, give me the Viking size drumstick and double down on the stuffing, full share member table.

Time will tell….but rest assured, RU will not be left out in the cold when the dust settles....

Unleash the dogs and feel free to provide your thoughts…..