I decided to the save the beast (not a typo) for last so we are talking NCAA/college football (CFB) today. CFB is no shrinking violet itself with a massive, passionate following driven by intense regional rivalries which date back over a century in many cases. This "amateur" version of the gridiron conflict brings in mega dollars with multiple revenue sources especially from basically all of the major networks and ESPN. Indeed, some argue that ESPN is more vested in CFB than any other sport and in some ways runs things.
And the "running things" process is radically different from the NFL where an oligarchy headed by Roger Goodell and a few select owners call the shots. While the NCAA obviously exerts influence, the cadre of "Power 5" conferences commissioners and athletic directors have much to say regarding the direction of the sport. College sports teams compete in regionally structured conferences and the Power 5 happen to be the 5 most powerful conferences with the most powerful schools/football programs. These teams win the most games, championships, and a larger share of the revenue pie. For example, The University of Texas Longhorn generated $144.5 million in revenue during the 2018 season which eclipses the entire budget for most non-P5 athletic programs.
So why are we talking about such a powerful sport that does not kickoff for another five months? Well, here are a few reasons. First, football season starts long before the games. Teams start practicing in late June with things getting really serious i July. This coupled with revenue considerations such as TV and scheduling means leadership must make a decision in a few weeks around May 1. And remember that each conference includes leaders who will factor in the decision, It is also possible (and likely) those decisions will not be uniform as commissioners and directors representing schools in region less impacted by the virus could be less enthusiastic about say cancelling or suspending the season. And of course the nature of the sport physically is similar to basketball as mentioned yesterday.
But here is the kicker-CFB floats all boats. In other words, football funds other sports programs. So no football means no other sports plus the possibility the certain non-revenue sports could be discontinued. So the smart money believes CFB leaders will find a way to play the games. Or some games.
I am a huge college football fan, growing up next to a BIG 12 team city means that football is life for everyone in the state of Oklahoma. To see College football delayed or cancelled would engage uproar in many places. Since funding for football also controls other sports the uproar would not just be about our precious Oklahoma State team losing yet another bedlam game, but about the basketball fans who suffer through football season just to see the first basketball game. It will be very interesting to see how everything plays out in the fall, from classes to the field.
Football season really does start a lot earlier than we think. I think that the prospect of college football happening should be handled with extreme care, for the sake of everyone involved.
I think it will be very interesting to see if fans will be allowed to attend college football games. College football games are one of the most fun things that college people, alumni, or even fans are able to go to. It would be interesting also to see what happens because tickets for a football game can be very expensive depending on your seat and the opponent. I would be very interested to see what truly happens in the fall.