ESPN analysts: Gonzaga’s Pac-12 move makes sense for variety of reasons, including financially

Oct. 3—By ESPN college basketball analyst Sean Farnham’s estimation, he’s been courtside for well over 125 Gonzaga games in his 15 years at the network.

His call on Gonzaga’s decision to join the Pac-12 Conference?

“They’ve been searching for awhile to find a new home,” Farnham said. “There’s been discussion with the Big 12 as potentially a destination point and a couple times it looked like it was actually happening. The one thing you want to make sure of is you are well positioned so you’re not left out down the road. This was a move that keeps them in the recruiting zone and allows them to be among the nation’s best.

“One hundred percent of (realignment) moves have been based solely on football and football revenue generated for a conference. This was the first time where basketball was at the forefront of the process and I suspect it won’t be the Pac-12’s only move in that regard.”

Seth Greenberg, Farnham’s teammate at ESPN, agreed that Gonzaga made the right decision.

“No matter what league Gonzaga was eventually going to move into they were going to be a flagship program,” Greenberg said. “They’re one of the programs that sets the standard as an elite basketball program. Obviously change is necessary in the current world of finances in college athletics. The Pac-12 does fit their footprint, but Gonzaga’s brand is a national brand.

“This is a great opportunity for Gonzaga and obviously a home run for the new Pac-12. Truth be told, the Pac-12 needed Gonzaga more than Gonzaga needed the Pac.12.”

Gonzaga announced Tuesday it will leave the West Coast Conference for the Pac-12, joining Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State and Washington State for the 2026-27 season.

Financial details haven’t been announced, but GU athletic director Chris Standiford acknowledged “this is a better situation for us financially, without question.”

“The most important thing is by being in the Pac-12, the revenue that’s going to be available to them is…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-analysts-gonzagas-pac-12-020200487.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-10-04 02:02:00

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