Missouri Valley Conference Paradox

[perry c]

UMKC has publicly made itself a candidate for MVC membership twice. It may still be a goal for the Roos.

Meanwhile, Missouri State has reemerged as a possible 12th member of Conference USA. The following article suggests that an invitation could be coming this spring, (maybe opening a MVC slot for us).

www.news-leader.com/story/sports/college/msu/2024/02/26/missouri-state-conference-usa-mvc-valley-realignment-the-athletic-cusa/72749100007/

So while competition against Missouri State has been a big reason for UMKC's interest in the Valley, the Roos may at best be able to join a conference that the Bears vacated the season before. That would leave Drake as the only MVC school within 300 miles of Kansas City.

Is the MVC sill where the program aspires to be?

[perry c]

My guess is that yes, the administration still wants UMKC in the Valley. Even though the departures of Wichita State, Creighton, and Missouri State would make the MVC no more of a regional conference for us than the Summit, UMKC would rather be associated with MVC schools. Also, it seems that TV exposure and media money are better in the Valley.

[true2theroos]

I’d absolutely accept an invite to the MVC. I think the idea behind conference realignment is to always upgrade your positioning. If we make it into the MVC, invest in our facilities, and have some real success, we suddenly have an outside shot at the Atlantic-10 or even the American if they’d be willing to invite more non-football members (similar to UNC Charlotte back in Conference USA).

Even if the Missouri Valley is no longer the appealing choice it once was, it opens up a lot more opportunities for us down the line.

[bigroobluefan]

I would rather stay in the Summit League unless the money in the MvC is way better. In the MVC you would be in 12 team conference, but staying in Summit League you are in 10 team conference. The Roos have a much better chance of consistency competing in the Summit league and making the NCAA tournament! Missouri State has done nothing but finish around 500 in conference. The Roos proved this year they can be a top 3 team in the Summit!

[perry c]

Mar 2, 2024 13:05:01 GMT -6 bigroobluefan said:

I would rather stay in the Summit League unless the money in the MvC is way better. In the MVC you would be in 12 team conference, but staying in Summit League you are in 10 team conference.

The Summit is down to nine members after WIU's departure.

Big fish in the small pond might get to the NCAA tournament faster. Agreed.

[perry c]

Here is a reason to move to the Missouri Valley: better TV coverage in March.



There is a difference between CBS (their championship game) and CBS Sports Network (ours). CBS gets lots more viewers.

[wishfulthinking]

UIC is one of the newest (if not the newest) member of the MVC. Look at their arena. I don't see UMKC achieving this. Didn't UMKC announce that they were scrapping or severely cutting the scope of the new arena project near Oak Street?