D1.ticker - News from Friday, April 7, 2017

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"This is an event of great importance in defining the future of Wichita State. Two years ago we set out on a fact-finding process to determine the best way athletics could help position the university for enrollment growth and enhance WSU's reputation as an academic and research institution. With the help of College Sports Solutions, a national consulting firm, we examined numerous options, including staying where we were. It became clear to us that The American offered the best combination of universities that share our academic and cultural values and research focus." That's Wichita State Prez Bardo on his institution's move to the AAC, approved by the AAC's CEOs. American Commish Aresco is excited about the entire Shockers portfolio. WSU AD Boatright: "This gives us an opportunity to regularly test ourselves against traditionally strong competition — and to do so on a grander stage [...] Doug and my athletic director colleagues have been gracious and understanding about our departure. We wish the Missouri Valley all the best." (link)
+ More Aresco: "We weren’t thinking so much of our new TV deal as we were in strengthening our conference. Our goal all along is to be perceived and to be a Power 6 conference. We didn’t want to simply be a Power 6 conference in football and lag behind in basketball." (link)
+ Houston AD Yurachek: "With the addition of Wichita State, the American has immediately strengthened its brand." (link)
+ SI's Thamel says the Shockers "should deliver value immediately" to the AAC, but it won't likely be in the form of adding the ability for the league to make a bunch of more money in its next TV deal. (link)
+ ESPN's McMurphy: "Wichita State will pay $2.5M fee to join AAC, sources told @ESPN. WSU won’t actually pay that but will have $2.5M of future revenue withheld." (link)
+ Statement from the MVC: "The Missouri Valley Conference has undergone many changes in membership throughout our 110-year history, and the news today of Wichita State University’s departure brings us to another stage in the evolution of our league. The Valley has always been resilient and progressive in the face of these changes, and we have never been defined by a single institution. We now have an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to competitive excellence and to a continuing investment in athletics." More. (link)
+ CBSSports' Parrish believes the move makes it possible that MBB HC Marshall could stick with the Shockers for even longer. "So congrats to the AAC. And congrats to the Shockers. You guys really did need each other. You’re gonna be great together." (link)
+ The Hartford Courant's Jacobs thinks the AAC should really go for it & add Dayton & VCU to further up its hoops profile. (link)
+ FanRag Sports' Rothstein indicates the MVC is focused on Valparaiso & Murray State as potential new members. (link)
+ CBSSports.com's Norlander reviews potential additions for the MVC, profiles St. Louis (though he says the Bilikens aren't going anywhere), Valpo, Murray State, Belmont & the Dakota four. (link)
+ The Tribune Star's Golden goes way deeper & basically lists every school in the Midwest & even adds Grand Canyon & New Mexico State. To his credit, he also provides thoughts on why or why not for each & every one. (link)
+ UMKC AD Wilson: "Obviously we would love to be considered. If we could be more regional with our conference affiliation that would create some geographic rivalries, help our travel and be a benefit to us." (link)

Texas will build a new on-campus hoops arena just south of the Mike A. Myers track & field facility. Timeframe is within the next five to seven years. Prez Fenves: "By choosing a central location, we will make the experience of going to a game more intimate and exciting for all who participate." AD Perrin: "Our goal is to have an arena on our campus that can provide the platform for a great atmosphere and a positive fan experience for our men’s and women’s basketball games. While our vision is that the arena be basketball-centric, we will look to design it to allow for versatility in hosting other events." No information yet on the financial scope of the project. (link)

Auburn scores its largest gift in department history with a $5M commitment from Harbert Family to go toward the $28M plans for the latest enhancement of Jordan-Hare Stadium. AD Jacobs: "The Harberts have shown us time and again that they believe in Auburn and love it. Our hope is that their generous support and loyalty will inspire other alumni to support our athletic programs and the student-athletes who represent us at the highest level possible." In addition the $28M southwest corner work at Jordan-Hare, the Tigers have also received approval to invest $12M for an overhaul of the existing press box into premium & club space for fans. Jacobs previously noted the potential installation of 150 prime club spots in the space. (link, link)

U.S. District Court Judge Pitman advances some of the lawsuit filed by former Baylor student Hernandez against the university, former AD & current Liberty boss McCaw & former FB HC Briles on the grounds of Title IX violations & negligence connected to her 2014 rape by a former FB student-athlete. Pitman: "Plaintiff’s allegations, if assumed to be true, are more than sufficient to allow a plausible inference that Baylor was deliberately indifferent to sexual harassment — of which it had actual knowledge — that was so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it could be said to deprive plaintiff of access to the educational opportunities or benefits provided by the school." Attorney for Briles: "No one can say that coach Briles intentionally inflicted emotional distress on anyone." No word from McCaw's camp. (link)

The Buffalo News' Sullivan writes on this week's decision at Buffalo to discontinue Baseball, Men's Soccer, Women's Rowing & Men's Swimming & Diving to save $2M annually. Sullivan, direct: "Cut through all the scholarly rhetoric and it comes down to one sickening reality: This is the inevitable consequence of UB pretending to be a major college football program, which seems more and more a fool's errand with each passing year." Sullivan continues by saying he's tried to give Bulls FB the benefit of the doubt, but the reality is MAC competition just doesn't appeal to the pro market. Argues for the transition of FB to FCS, a heightened concentration on hoops & striving to get in a better league. Points to Villanova as the model. More. (link)

Learfield inks North Texas to a 10-year, $5M+ deal that marks the first time the Mean Green will have an outsourced multimedia partner. AD Baker: "We are excited to partner with Learfield. Greg Brown and his team are industry leaders. [...] The increase in revenue will be significant. That sort of increase is to be expected when a school first adopts a model offered from a firm like Learfield, which is one of the reasons we chose to utilize that strategy for our corporate partnership program." Learfield boss Brown: "North Texas has a growing fan base, with whom we will engage sponsors with innovative concepts that will provide growth and enhance the brand. We have known Wren for many years, when he was at Mizzou and Memphis, two of our university partners, and we look forward to having the opportunity to work with him again to maximize the potential of UNT athletics over the next decade." The new unit will be led by former Louisiana Monroe property GM Domingos. (link, link)

The lawsuit between Texas A&M FB DC Chavis & his former employers at LSU is still on the books after 25 months & The Advocate's Dellinger updates on the contents of depositions. The exchange between Chavis' attorney Craft & Tigers AD Alleva on edits to Chavis' contract sound tense. Alleva said he did talk to university CFO Ewing about his own deposition. Also, Craft: "So, then it would be fair, would it not, to say that the accusation that my client breached (the altered contract), which he did not sign, is false?" Alleva: "Your client had an agreement with LSU that if he left before the end of January, he owed $400,000." (link)

Yesterday brought a bunch of thought-provoking tweets from Villanova's 2017 Moorad Sports Law Journal Symposium. ESPN EVP of Global Advertising Revenue & Sales Operations Johnson: "96% of ESPN content is consumed live." Barstool Sports CEO Nardini: "I don't think of any piece of distribution that isn't on the phone. I'm obsessed with the phone." Moorad Center Executive Director Brandt on eSports, "People have no idea how big this is." Big East Deputy Commish Nicastro commented on the future of college athletics & the challenge of managing the time demands for student-athletes. Lots more. (link)

As OTT services & skinny bundles continue to grow in the TV/video space, here's a pretty interesting piece of data from MoffettNathanson analyst Moffett, "Each time Dish replaces a satellite user with an OTT customer, they forgo a future stream of contribution dollars equal to about $1,950 … but why recognize an immediate benefit of about $850. In the substitute OTT subscriber, they gain a future contribution stream worth about $325, and they incur upfront cost of about $55." Moffett also says Dish's satellite subscriber base decreased by 7.8% in 2016 & is shrinking so fast its Sling TV OTT service can't keep up with the switches. (link)

Engaging read from SBJ on how Los Angeles & Paris are navigating the waters of their 2024 Olympics bids when the '24 & '28 Games may end up being awarded at the same time. SBJ's Fisher: "They must settle on a message that concedes nothing about 2024 as the top prize, while also not coming off as too strident in the eyes of the mercurial IOC membership, lest they lose position in an all-or-nothing vote on 2024 that still might come to pass." Both camps seem to be focused on '24, but there's little doubt either would turn down the '28 opportunity if they miss on '24. LA's approach, led by Casey Wasserman, is the softer of the two, but both cities are believed to be equal in the running for '24. The IOC's Evaluation Commission is set to be in LA May 10-12. More. (link)

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The ACLU has requested clarification from 11 public DI universities & five cities in North Carolina on how they plan to create a nondiscriminatory environment at NCAA events for LGBTQ individuals. ACLU staff attorney Strangio: "As a trans person and as a sports fan, it was deeply concerning to me that we are acting as if something has actually changed in North Carolina. We know that the discrimination is very much persisting. I’m hopeful we can expose the hypocrisies here and continue to hold the state of North Carolina and the NCAA accountable to its constituents." (link); NBA Commish Silver says Charlotte could host the 2019 All-Star game if participating groups in the city sign-off on anti-discrimination policies. (link)

HC Notes: As he did with his Baseball HC hire, Furman AD Buddie promotes from within as MBB AC Richey will take over for the Paladins. (link); UCLA MBB HC Alford expects to sit down with Bruins AD Guerrero on a contract extension. (link); Longtime Pittsburgh Diving HC Krug to retire after 38 years leading the Panthers. (link); New Mexico AD Krebs says the future of his MBB program is not just about the new HC, but also about how the Lobos price tickets in WisePies Arena. (link); Challenges for new Georgetown MBB HC Ewing include getting up to speed on NCAA rules & regulations as he already stepped slightly outside the lines once. (link); Portland State AD Cleary will reportedly hire Northwest Christian (NAIA) HC Jackson as her new MBB HC. Jackson was previously a standout student-athlete at Oregon. (link)

More Facility Dots: Princeton gets a $3.5M commitment from an anonymous donor that will allow the Tigers to put a winter bubble over its FB field. AD Marcoux Saaman notes the benefits for a number of sport programs, not just FB. (link); As you know, Texas is getting a new FB locker room & some of the demolition is being handled by student-athletes with sledgehammers. Videos. (link); West Virginia's Milan Puskar Stadium looks to be getting a new 38' x 98' videoboard in the north end zone. Sound like we should know more details soon. (link); Eastern Kentucky is set to open a new Softball & Strength & Condition digs today. (link, link)

Louisville FB is the latest program to place restrictions on possible landing spots for a student-athlete exiting the program, only to have to backtrack. Graduate transfer Wiggins can now consider Mississippi State after the Cardinals originally black-listed the Bulldogs, presumably because former DC Grantham is now in Starkville. Kentucky, Notre Dame, Purdue & Western Kentucky remain as impossibilities given future schedules. (link)

The Daily News Journal's Amato: "What steps MTSU must take to become a mid-major power." It's an interesting outline, but with wins in both of the last two NCAA Tourneys & additional high-level success, I'd argue the label already fits the Blue Raiders. Amato points to the strong community support VCU enjoys, the HC consistency already a trademark under longtime HC Davis, a need to upgrade non-conference opponents, as well as a focus on effective recruiting & adding impactful graduate transfers. (link)

In a financial review of all programs at North Dakota & North Dakota State, Bison AD Laren says WBB has significant fiscal upside, "We’ve seen historically when the program is successful we can draw fans for women’s basketball. That’s the hope as we improve the product on the floor, you’ll start to see that reflected in attendance and ticket revenue." The rest of this Bismarck Tribune piece is about how all UND & NDSU team spend more than they generate. (link); North Dakota Women's Hockey HC Idalski is pushing to save his program via private giving, but isn't sure if the outcome is realistic. (link)

Media in Tennessee keep writing about new Vols AD Currie & this is actually a thoughtful piece from The Tennessean's Rexrode, "Tennessee AD John Currie's job is bigger than hurt feelings." Thesis: "It’s too bad prominent folks in or around UT popped off to media and made it seem like Fulmer to AD was a done deal when the search hadn’t even gotten serious. The search was understandably infuriating, especially because the public clock started when Dave Hart announced his pending exit in August. But it’s worth keeping in mind that Currie did not run his own search." More, on the exit of former Kansas State MBB HC Martin for South Carolina, "And why does this matter now? Does this illustrate Currie is a “jerk” or has bad judgment? If you like, you can take this as evidence he’ll stand up to coaches. Soon enough, Currie will shape UT athletics with decisions on different people and problems, and then we won’t have to guess." (link)

San Antonio will host next year's MBB Final Four & UTSA AD Hickey will play a key role, but it's certainly not the only thing that will be keeping her busy. A new university Prez, a looming city bond package vote that includes $10M for the Roadrunners, as well as an internal reorganization of her team are all also front & center. Hickey: "We’ve re-energized our business plan. We have a good five-year plan in front of us what we have to do financially. We have some really good marks to reach. And then with the success the teams are having, that helps you move all those things forward. […] My energy level is high, and I think the important thing I can do is that I’m open to learning. I’m not stuck in traditions and saying this is the only way we can do something." (link)

Wisconsin AD Alvarez provides perspective to ESPN's Temple on how Badgers FB continues to put Ws on the board year after year. Securing big offensive linemen, leveraging a hyper-productive walk-on system & sticking with a system, no matter who the HC is, are the keys, per Alvarez. Interestingly, Alvarez on former HC & current Oregon State boss Andersen, "Gary had a hard time with the system that we have, and Gary was trying to change it, and when he left, he told me he couldn't do it. He couldn't do what I wanted him to do. I thought things were slipping. I thought our in-state recruiting had slipped. High school coaches were telling me. They were upset. They didn't think they were getting enough attention. You're leaving the state, we're bringing in guys that aren't as good as the kids in-state that are leaving or we're not recruiting. If you lose the in-state, the thing is going to fall apart." (link)

Kentucky Baseball won last night's opener in Starkville against Mississippi State in a series that has Bulldogs AD Cohen's fingerprints all over it. Cohen led MSU on the diamond for eight years before becoming AD in 2016, a stint that was preceded by five seasons rebuilding the program at Kentucky. First-year Wildcats HC Mingione was a longtime AC under Cohen at both schools, new MSU HC Cannizaro was hand-selected by Cohen to take over at Dudy Noble Field & to add to the web, Bulldogs Pitching Coach Henderson was previously HC at UK after succeeding Cohen. Cohen: "I’ve just been really fortunate to be around some great coaches who are now, in my opinion, really good head coaches." Lots more. (link)

South Carolina State Women's Tennis is the latest program from around the nation to be discontinued. The Bulldogs will add Women's Golf to maintain enough NCAA-sponsored programs. What makes this move a bit more eye-opening, SCSU's Women's Tennis squad has won 11 of the last 12 MEAC crowns, but Acting AD Robertson says funding support can't match the expectation of championships any longer. (link)

Also Noticed: Wichita State MBB HC Marshall & notable former hoops color analyst Packer both had monies caught up in a Ponzi scheme. (link); Florida State is ticketing for its FB Spring Game today for the first time. Prices range from $5 to $50. The Seminoles expect 10K+ in attendance. (link); CLC will be policing Clemson FB's spring affair to ferret out any counterfeits. (link); From SI's Deitsch: "The @GamecockWBB victory over @HailStateWBK peaked at 5.34 million viewers in the final minutes on ESPN. Massive number for women's hoops." (link); Virginia FB has been dinged for some Level II violations. Reductions in off-campus contacts & evaluations. (link); NACMA announces The Energy Bus author John Gordon as its keynote this June in Orlando. (link); The Cal State Board of Trustees has sued Mondo USA for $850K+ in connection to the performance & appearance of the track at Sacramento State. (link); Under Armour is laying off roughly two dozen from its social fitness app team. (link); CBS boss Mooves made a cool $69.6M in 2016, which included a $32M bonus. (link); Per Twitter's latest proxy statement, CEO Dorsey is still foregoing a salary, but CFO/COO Noto earned $23.78M in '16, the majority of which was in stock awards. (link); How about drones as additional security at sport events? The Boston Marathon will employ the strategy. (link); The highly-anticipated iPhone 8 is unlikely to be released on Apple's normal cadence in September. (link); The Milwaukee Brewers have added a bot, "Bernie Bot," to its official team app to assist with customer relations questions. (link)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement (University of Idaho / Moscow, ID): The Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement directs marketing and exposure/promotion of Athletics programs to all our constituency groups. Visit link and apply by 5-6-2017. More details HERE.

(NEW LINK!) Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations (Columbia University / New York, NY): This position provides oversight of all external operations in the Columbia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Development (Montana State University / Bozeman, MT): The Senior Associate Director of Athletics administers all aspects of Athletic Development including Major Gifts, Bobcat Annual Scholarship Fund, Sport Specific Funds, M Club, and Special Events. More details HERE.

Assistant Director, Donor Relations (Western Kentucky University / Bowling Green, KY): WKU is seeking an Assistant Director, Donor Relations with the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation (HAF). Position reports directly to the Executive Director/Associate AD of HAF. More details HERE.

Coordinator of Academic Service for Football #10046 (University of Akron / Akron, OH): The University of Akron, a Division I (FBS) Institution and member of the Mid-American Conference is looking to hire a Coordinator of Academic Service for Football. EEO/AA Employer/Veterans/Disabled. More details HERE.

Head Equipment Manager (Drexel University / Philadelphia, PA): The Head Equipment Manager oversees equipment operations for the Department of Athletics which includes procurement and inventory of equipment and uniforms, varsity awards program and laundry services. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director, Communications (University of California, Los Angeles / Los Angeles, CA): Senior Associate Athletic Director, Communications provides department management and strategic planning for all external department communications involving UCLA Athletics. Job requisition # 25708. More details HERE.

Associate Athletics Director - Compliance Services (Clemson University / Clemson, SC): University seeks an experienced leader to provide leadership and take primary responsibility for its NCAA compliance program. Clemson is an AA/EEOC employer. More details HERE.

Director of Business Intelligence & Data Analytics (University of North Carolina / Chapel Hill, NC): This position will define and lead new strategic and analytical practices associated with a newly implemented Audience Engagement platform to enhance sales, marketing and communication strategies. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director - Marketing (University of Missouri / Columbia, MO): Position will be responsible for managing the marketing activities of Intercollegiate Athletics and aligning communication efforts with the department's strategies; oversees the Mizzou Spirit program. More details HERE.

Director of Football Operations (Bowling Green State University / Bowling Green, OH): Oversees daily operation of the football program. Will report directly to Head Football Coach and oversee daily operation of the football office which includes student workers and secretary. More details HERE.

Deputy Director of Athletics (Oklahoma State University / Stillwater, OK): The Deputy Director of Athletics is chief operating officer responsible for the day-to-day supervision, coordination, execution, & evaluation of operations for OSU Department of Athletics (OSUDA). More details HERE.

Program Director - Athletic Promotions and Fan Engagement (Texas Tech University / Lubbock, TX): Direct oversight of the promotions and fan engagement efforts for Men's Basketball and other sports assigned; create, implement and analysis of marketing plans. Apply online at https://goo.gl/ELHH4J. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director of Development (University of North Texas / Denton, TX): Position includes; securing private support for the University's athletic programs through cultivation, solicitation & stewardship, with an emphasis on annual fund gifts. Visit site for full details. More details HERE.

Head Coach 3 (Head Coach, Women's Gymnastics) (Pennsylvania State University / University Park, PA): Seeking a dynamic and experienced leader with a commitment to athletics, compliance, academics, character, diversity, and the academic and athletic experience of the student-athlete. More details HERE.

Sr. Media Producer - Graphic Designer - Strategic Communications (University of Missouri / Columbia, MO): This is a full-time, benefit eligible position that works to meet the Athletic Department's needs in the area of graphic design and production creating innovative graphic identity for all 20 sports. HERE.

Athletics Marketing Assistant (College of Holy Cross / Worcester, MA): Marketing plan execution, focus on revenue and attendance for 27 D1 programs. Social Media strategy. Digital, TV, radio, print, social media, mobile etc. Identify channels to reach targeted audience. More details HERE.

Athletic Media Relations Assistant (College of Holy Cross / Worcester, MA): Media Relations Assistant is responsible for assisting with the execution of the media and public relations plans for all 27 of our Division 1 Programs. assists with operation of GoHolyCross.com. More details HERE.

Assistant Director Sport Communications (CSUN Athletics / Northridge, CA): The Assistant Director, Sports Communications assists in the implementation of a comprehensive plan to cover CSUN Athletics' NCAA Division I sports program, focusing specifically on assigned sports. More details HERE.

Fan Experience & Promotions Assistant (Liberty Flames / Lynchburg, VA): Position reports directly to Assistant Director of Fan Experience & Promotions in an effort to enhance the fan experience, increase attendance and fulfill sponsorship agreements among other duties. More details HERE.

Director of Donor Relations & Special Events, Mountaineer Athletic Club (WVU Foundation / Morgantown, WV): WVU Foundation is seeking a DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS, MOUNTAINEER ATHLETIC CLUB. For more information visit: http://www.wvuf.org/jobs. More details HERE.

Athletic Development Director (University of Southern Mississippi / Hattiesburg, MS): Will raise funds through a variety of methods and manage components of a comprehensive fundraising program. Job title (Assistant or Associate Athletic Director) and specific duties TBD. More details HERE.

Associate Director and Assistant Director, Athletics Development (University of Iowa Foundation / Iowa City, IA): Iowa Athletics is seeking two driven, energetic development officers | annual fund of over $17 million with more than 16,500 annual contributors | $200 million in facility improvements on the horizon More details HERE.

Athletics Director (Kansas State University / Manhattan, KS): K-State seeks an experienced and knowledgeable leader to direct a comprehensive NCAA Division I men's and women's intercollegiate athletics program. More details HERE.

Director of Development (Nations of Coaches / Decatur, AL (On location not required)): This person is responsible for building the structure / strategic direction of the inaugural Development Office. Duties include planning, organizing and directing all fundraising efforts. More details HERE.

Athletic Donor Relations Manager (Old Dominion Athletic Foundation / Norfolk, VA): Provide support to the day to day operations of the Athletic Foundation and coordinate advancement data management and all internal aspects of the annual fund, direct mail and communication plans. More details HERE.

Associate/Senior Associate Athletic Director (University of Wyoming / Laramie, WY): The University of Wyoming is accepting applications for the position of Associate/Senior Associate Athletic Director. More details HERE.

Associate Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Outcomes (UC Davis Athletics / Davis, CA): Responsible for oversight of work pertinent to student-athlete outcomes, such as academic success, personal growth, character development, and postgraduate career placement. More details HERE.

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