Did UConn Screw The American?
The Story: UConn is leaving the AAC this summer, and that move is going to have an effect on the grand $1 billion media rights deal the league has with ESPN.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The AAC’s deal with ESPN called it to pay the conference $1 billion over 12 years. UConn was not happy with that deal — specifically the streaming package, which would push a significant number of men’s and women’s basketball games onto ESPN+ — and bolted to the Big East for all sports but football. By leaving the AAC, however, the Huskies triggered a renegotiation clause. AAC commissioner Mike Aresco downplayed the impact of UConn leaving the conference, citing its poor football performance, but behind the scenes, it seems there is a tangible impact on that deal with ESPN.
WHAT DID ARESCO SAY? “We’ve got a great relationship with ESPN so we’ll work it some adjustment, but I can’t go into more than that.”
ESPN, AAC RENEGOTATING: We aren’t going to see $1 billion for the AAC anymore. That’s the crux of the matter, per the sports-based business website The Morning Consult. Nick Dawson, VP of programming for ESPN, said that the deal was negotiated with UConn in mind, specifically its blue-chip basketball programs. There is a composition clause in the AAC-ESPN deal and it appears the Bristol-based network will exercise it. That means the 11-team conference will see less money. ESPN has big plans, it appears, for the women’s basketball program, and now all home rights for the basketball teams are owned by Fox Sports.
HOW MUCH IS UCONN REALLY WORTH? We guess the market is going to decide this. The deal is for 12 years and $1 billion with UConn in the conference. Now, with 11 teams — there is no worthy member to replace UConn — we’ll see how low it goes. We are guessing the difference is how much ESPN values UConn’s brand.
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Morning Reads
A TALE OF TWO HALVES: Yes, the Huskies picked up wins against Seton Hall and Notre Dame before the finals break, but they struggled to play consistent throughout them. (Hearst Connecticut Media)
THE NEXT STAR? It has been a fine start to the season for Megan Walker, who has been playing at an All-American level for the Huskies. (The UConn Blog)
BLOCK PARTY: The emergence of Olivia Nelson-Ododa as a shotblocking maestro has forced the Huskies’ opponents to find new ways to score this season. (FiveThirtyEight)
GREAT KNOWS GREAT: Andre Drummond believes Akok Akok could be UConn’s next superstar. (USA Today)
COOL AS ICE: Coach Mike Cavanaugh, in his seventh season at UConn, discusses the state of the men’s hockey program. (The UConn Blog)
HITTING THE BIG TIME: After his film breakdowns gained popularity on social media, Dan Orlovsky was able to leverage his insight into a job with ESPN. (The Athletic)
BIGGER THINGS COMING? Roisin Upton, who won the NCAA title with UConn in 2013 and 2014 and helped Ireland qualify for the Summer Olympics, was named Sportswoman of the Month. (The Irish Times)
