Haslam's Recent Interview on Where UM Is

[BadlandsGrizFan]

How does it change the landscape in a potentially “football only” move to the MWC? I assume that any conference invite is going to want to take schools that want to bring all of their programs, but I don’t know that for sure.

I could see a best of both worlds scenario where football and basketball move up into the MWC. Which inturn brings in more revenue to support the other sports that would not be MWC?

This whole thing is just going to come down to how much money can football bring in to the athletic department ultimately you would think.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Then what do you think is?

The large shifts and changes caused by realignment, and how those things will impact FCS in the future; the gradual/steady moves of some good FCS teams to FBS; what the Dakota teams are thinking; and not wanting to be left behind if FCS (which is currently fine, affordable and desirable) ends up being less desirable. Perhaps an opportunity at a good conference like the MW, if it were affordable and available.

As I have said, I don't know, or am not sure, that Gianforte and Bodnar would support a move that would/could cost the State money, or have a significant risk that the move could cause the State to have to step in and put in more money to UM/MSU. I know them, but haven't talked to them about this. Obviously, Haslam is following the subject closely.

Montana's state revenues are currently great, and expenses must be at least relatively in control. I assume the state legislature will look to reduce more expenses in some areas (but don't know that) and will look to cut property taxes and perhaps more income and other taxes, in the next session. I don't know any of the amounts or specifics. Gianforte is very smart, strategic, hardworking, and is especially good on the economy, growth, jobs, business, public-private partnerships in some areas.

Historically, some of the conservative state legislators were not overly excited about the university system. I don't know if that is still the case.

I would think UM/MSU would have to a have very compelling case, and without big risks, in order for Bodnar and Gianforte to support a move. Part of the compelling case could be that FCS is falling part. I don't see that happening yet, but things are changing and who knows.

Another thing I don't have a good read on, is what the top football/athletic donors are currently thinking. I'm not aware of them, or any of them, pushing to move to FBS, but don't know. I assume the coaches would be okay with it, or even favor it, but, again, don't know.

Bodnar played baseball at West Point, until he got hurt. Gianforte played high school football in Pennsylvania.

Perhaps some of you have more information and better thoughts. I am going mostly on impression, not specific knowledge or inside information.

 

[SACCAT66]

The large shifts and changes caused by realignment, and how those things will impact FCS in the future; the gradual/steady moves of some good FCS teams to FBS; what the Dakota teams are thinking; and not wanting to be left behind if FCS (which is currently fine, affordable and desirable) ends up being less desirable. Perhaps an opportunity at a good conference like the MW, if it were affordable and available.

As I have said, I don't know, or am not sure, that Gianforte and Bodnar would support a move that would/could cost the State money, or have a significant risk that the move could cause the State to have to step in and put in more money to UM/MSU. I know them, but haven't talked to them about this. Obviously, Haslam is following the subject closely.

Montana's state revenues are currently great, and expenses must be at least relatively in control. I assume the state legislature will look to reduce more expenses in some areas (but don't know that) and will look to cut property taxes and perhaps more income and other taxes, in the next session. I don't know any of the amounts or specifics. Gianforte is very smart, strategic, hardworking, and is especially good on the economy, growth, jobs, business, public-private partnerships in some areas.

Historically, some of the conservative state legislators were not overly excited about the university system. I don't know if that is still the case.

I would think UM/MSU would have to a have very compelling case, and without big risks, in order for Bodnar and Gianforte to support a move. Part of the compelling case could be that FCS is falling part. I don't see that happening yet, but things are changing and who knows.

Another thing I don't have a good read on, is what the top football/athletic donors are currently thinking. I'm not aware of them, or any of them, pushing to move to FBS, but don't know. I assume the coaches would be okay with it, or even favor it, but, again, don't know.

Bodnar played baseball at West Point, until he got hurt. Gianforte played high school football in Pennsylvania.

Perhaps some of you have more information and better thoughts. I am going mostly on impression, not specific knowledge or inside information.

Fair Points here... So you think Gianforte and the Administration wouldn't be happy if UM and MSU had to take less money from the Government because they would be getting more money by going from Big Sky to Mountain West? I am just asking, not saying that they would or wouldn't.

 

[Marty11]

How does it change the landscape in a potentially “football only” move to the MWC? I assume that any conference invite is going to want to take schools that want to bring all of their programs, but I don’t know that for sure.

I could see a best of both worlds scenario where football and basketball move up into the MWC. Which inturn brings in more revenue to support the other sports that would not be MWC?

This whole thing is just going to come down to how much money can football bring in to the athletic department ultimately you would think.

I don't believe that the Dakota's have to worry about the football only move, as they are already football only in the MVC. So, a football only move it mute.

Where as UM and MSU would have to have the approval from the Big Sky to make a football only or even Football/Basketball only move.

I think that is how it works.

 

[horribilisfan8184]

Given the size of the surpluses and rebates given this year to MT homeowners, and that the revenue surpluses will only be going up because of property value increases, we have plenty of cash to direct to the intuitions to seek joinder in the MWC with the Dakota Universities. A no brainer, it would seem. Would the state also commit to the annual increase in funding that move would require above MWC distributed revenues? I think the state could easily swing this and still drop mills, if the legislature and governor were so inclined. It's all in the priorities.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

I don't believe that the Dakota's have to worry about the football only move, as they are already football only in the MVC. So, a football only move it mute.

Where as UM and MSU would have to have the approval from the Big Sky to make a football only or even Football/Basketball only move.

I think that is how it works.

Right. Good point.

 

[SoldierGriz]

Given the size of the surpluses and rebates given this year to MT homeowners, and that the revenue surpluses will only be going up because of property value increases, we have plenty of cash to direct to the intuitions to seek joinder in the MWC with the Dakota Universities. A no brainer, it would seem. Would the state also commit to the annual increase in funding that move would require above MWC distributed revenues? I think the state could easily swing this and still drop mills, if the legislature and governor were so inclined. It's all in the priorities.

A no-brainer indeed.

It's not the government's money. It's mine. It's yours. While you and I may think this is an investment...or we just like college football...many or MOST people in MT could honestly give 2 shits. This economy is tough.

I think many /most would simply prefer to keep more of their money. Reducing the amount the state spends is an important part of the equation.

I don't mean to make this political - I just think it's a tough sell...at least under current conditions.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

The large shifts and changes caused by realignment, and how those things will impact FCS in the future; the gradual/steady moves of some good FCS teams to FBS; what the Dakota teams are thinking; and not wanting to be left behind if FCS (which is currently fine, affordable and desirable) ends up being less desirable. Perhaps an opportunity at a good conference like the MW, if it were affordable and available.

As I have said, I don't know, or am not sure, that Gianforte and Bodnar would support a move that would/could cost the State money, or have a significant risk that the move could cause the State to have to step in and put in more money to UM/MSU. I know them, but haven't talked to them about this. Obviously, Haslam is following the subject closely.

Montana's state revenues are currently great, and expenses must be at least relatively in control. I assume the state legislature will look to reduce more expenses in some areas (but don't know that) and will look to cut property taxes and perhaps more income and other taxes, in the next session. I don't know any of the amounts or specifics. Gianforte is very smart, strategic, hardworking, and is especially good on the economy, growth, jobs, business, public-private partnerships in some areas.

Historically, some of the conservative state legislators were not overly excited about the university system. I don't know if that is still the case.

I would think UM/MSU would have to a have very compelling case, and without big risks, in order for Bodnar and Gianforte to support a move. Part of the compelling case could be that FCS is falling part. I don't see that happening yet, but things are changing and who knows.

Another thing I don't have a good read on, is what the top football/athletic donors are currently thinking. I'm not aware of them, or any of them, pushing to move to FBS, but don't know. I assume the coaches would be okay with it, or even favor it, but, again, don't know.

Bodnar played baseball at West Point, until he got hurt. Gianforte played high school football in Pennsylvania.

Perhaps some of you have more information and better thoughts. I am going mostly on impression, not specific knowledge or inside information.

The only thing Gianforte is interested in is buying more ranches for his billionaire friends and teaching children that Jesus had pet dinosaurs.

I think he could give two shits about conference realignment convos.

 

[mthoopsfan]

Fair Points here... So you think Gianforte and the Administration wouldn't be happy if UM and MSU had to take less money from the Government because they would be getting more money by going from Big Sky to Mountain West? I am just asking, not saying that they would or wouldn't.

I can't imagine that UM/MSU could move to FBS without the State having to pay more money to find the move, and to take more risk that the State would have to step up more in the future if numbers went south.. UM wouldn't have enough money for the move even with the additional money from the MW. Additional money from the MW wouldn't come close to bringing in what UM/MSU needs to move up. The MW distributions is probably not even 30% of what they would need. Probably less than that percentage. And that doesn't include the amount needed for NIL in order to compete in the MW.

The only thing Gianforte is interested in is buying more ranches for his billionaire friends and teaching children that Jesus had pet dinosaurs.

I think he could give two shits about conference realignment convos.

You obviously don't know Gianforte. I have known him almost 30 years, and know him very well. He certainly cares about the state budget, maintaining a reasonable relationship with the legislature, university education, and the financial health of the university system, and he enjoys football.

 

[mthoopsfan]

A no-brainer indeed.

It's not the government's money. It's mine. It's yours. While you and I may think this is an investment...or we just like college football...many or MOST people in MT could honestly give 2 shits. This economy is tough.

I think many /most would simply prefer to keep more of their money. Reducing the amount the state spends is an important part of the equation.

I don't mean to make this political - I just think it's a tough sell...at least under current conditions.

I agree.

 

[bigsky33]

I agree.

As an MSU fan, I also agree. No way Gianforte is going to commit money to this with the economic environment the way it is. Taxes and inflation are hurting people.

 

[mthoopsfan]

As an MSU fan, I also agree. No way Gianforte is going to commit money to this with the economic environment the way it is. Taxes and inflation are hurting people.

I don't know the numbers for the State, for move up, or the exact goals of Gianforte, but he is someone who is almost always willing to listen, gather information, and then make a decision.

 

[indian-outlaw]

Las Vegas stadium sure isn't a loser. Stadiums and their financing sources are varied. Posters who know nothing about business should refrain from posting on subjects like this, and getting their politics in the way, is my view.

• "Taxes
  The stadium collects live entertainment taxes for non-Raiders events. In 2023, the stadium generated $59.2 million in room tax revenue.
  
  
  
• Economic impact
  The stadium's economic impact on the Las Vegas area is estimated to be over $2.29 billion. This includes $128 million in tax revenue.
  
  
  
• Jobs
  The stadium has created 6,000 permanent jobs in Southern Nevada.

• "Non-Raiders events
  The stadium hosts concerts, sporting events, and other ticketed events. In 2023, Allegiant Stadium hosted 17 shows with 725,000 attendees, generating $119.3 million.
  
  
  
• Corporate events
  The stadium has several clubs and an open area that can be rented for private events."
  
  
  
• "The financing for the project came in the form of $750 million in public funding and $1.1 billion from the Raiders. The public portion of the funding came from municipal bonds issued by Clark County, backed by the proceeds of a special tax on hotel rooms in the Las Vegas area, which took effect in March 2017."
  
  

I think you made my point there smart guy. The tax payers put up all the money. Private industry reaped all the benefits.

 

[mthoopsfan]

I think you made my point there smart guy. The tax payers put up all the money. Private industry reaped all the benefits.

Nope. Can you not even read? "The financing for the project came in the form of $750 million in public funding and $1.1 billion from the Raiders." The Raiders put up more money than the taxpayers. Please tell us that you really aren't that dumb. You are a total idiot.

 

[indian-outlaw]

Nope. Can you not even read? "The financing for the project came in the form of $750 million in public funding and $1.1 billion from the Raiders." The Raiders put up more money than the taxpayers. Please tell us that you really aren't that dumb. You are a total idiot.

Congratulations on finding one example where the taxpayers paid less than the private industry. So they only lost $760 million. Did you read the previous post detailing how the taxpayers get soaked over and over again? Or can't you read? You're just an idiot.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

I can't imagine that UM/MSU could move to FBS without the State having to pay more money to find the move, and to take more risk that the State would have to step up more in the future if numbers went south.. UM wouldn't have enough money for the move even with the additional money from the MW. Additional money from the MW wouldn't come close to bringing in what UM/MSU needs to move up. The MW distributions is probably not even 30% of what they would need. Probably less than that percentage. And that doesn't include the amount needed for NIL in order to compete in the MW.

You obviously don't know Gianforte. I have known him almost 30 years, and know him very well. He certainly cares about the state budget, maintaining a reasonable relationship with the legislature, university education, and the financial health of the university system, and he enjoys football.

No you don’t.

 

[mthoopsfan]

No you don’t.

I don't what?

 

[flowtowngriz]

My imagination of the griz and even our brothers to the east who shall not name. Is the image of the nation. Hard working average Americans who love good old football. Kinda like old Nebraska and Oklahoma. There is no reason that we can achieve what they have in 10 years.
I am not saying we are the power 4. Biting l am saying we could be the next Boise st or even better. I love my griz, watered down fcs is not the same specially if we lose ndsu and sdsu to fbs. We comparing our team to app st and gsu and James Madison. We could be the next western team that no one wants play but if you play us it gonna cost ya, if we win we are gonna play Holy shit could you imagine us playing in boise st situation lol

 

[CDAGRIZ]

My imagination of the griz and even our brothers to the east who shall not name. Is the image of the nation. Hard working average Americans who love good old football. Kinda like old Nebraska and Oklahoma. There is no reason that we can achieve what they have in 10 years.
I am not saying we are the power 4. Biting l am saying we could be the next Boise st or even better. I love my griz, watered down fcs is not the same specially if we lose ndsu and sdsu to fbs. We comparing our team to app st and gsu and James Madison. We could be the next western team that no one wants play but if you play us it gonna cost ya, if we win we are gonna play Holy shit could you imagine us playing in boise st situation lol

There is a great night somewhere in here. I don’t disagree with the overall sentiment, however.

 

[Hoops watcher]

I’m calling it a major exception to the rule. The fact that none of what I mentioned will end up in Missoula kind of matters in this discussion. Most cities aren’t making the kind of cash Vegas will make, and a lot of that is very Vegas.

Just another aside… Washington-Grizzly could never host a real soccer match just because of the field width. Of course, that’s part of the claustrophobic charm (from an away fan POV) of your stadium for football.

Vegas is the outlier here. I was thinking about when they imploded the Kingdome reading they still had another decade or so to pay off the public backed bonds in addition to new ones for the Mariners' and Seahawks' new facilities. Paid off with sales tax shares along with bed tax, etc. I don't care if people decide it's worth it to have their favorite play in a nice new barn, I might in a lot of cases. But they are sold as economic drivers, job creators and anchors for redevelopment often times. Construction jobs pay well for sure, selling popcorn not so much. The new revenue goes to team owners and real estate scions. At least owners seem to ponying up more of their coin and some like SOFI in LA and Jerry's place were built with their own money (related infrastructure is another story I bet). But usually the public gets it's leg pissed on while being told it's raining. Vegas indeed exists as a show all of it's own and being entertainment is it's primary function I'm sure they look at spending by the city and state on all things related to that function in a unique light.