There’s not a day that goes by without some mention of Artificial Intelligence or AI in media. Add us to the list now as well. One of the other frequent stories, at least in sports, has to do with conference restructuring. Schools want and need to make more money to feel they can better compete on the national stage. I’ll toss in Texas as an example of why money and success don’t always go hand-in-hand.
We decided to put the two topics together and ask a few questions of Open AI’s ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) to see if the program could come up with some answers. As a disclaimer, this story is being written by a human, though said carbon life-form referenced the AI’s answers.
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Before we set off on this journey it’s important to note that the training data for this system was cut off in 2021 so there are multiple factors that may not have come into play with the answers. BTW – ChatGPT Plus is available for $20 per month. There is a free version for those who like to tinker with new technology.
AI
Our primary question for ChatGPT – How would the ACC best restructure to maximize revenue?
- Increase Membership (we also asked which schools would be an ideal fit) – ChatGPT indicates that adding teams from other conferences or non-Power 5 conferences would increase the number of games played. That would lead to increased revenue. One of the interesting portions of this answer points to TV contracts. The subtleties of college sports isn’t something that can be programmed in, yet. However, from the human perspective, the longer the ACC waits to make a move in this direction the more likely the disintegration of the conference as we know it. By adding additional teams you have a high likelihood of losing a few teams. At the same time the contract with ESPN could be (?) renegotiated to possibly keep them from departing. Change is inevitable but it should never be done just for the sake of change.
- Which schools were recommended? The most obvious choice is one that already is a full member in almost every sport and plays a partial ACC football schedule. Notre Dame tops the list. Next up is West Virginia. ChatGPT says the Mountaineers bring a solid football program and because of the prior association via the Big East with some current ACC teams they would be the second selection. The third choice is Cincinnati. The program pointed to the increasing national exposure of the school and by connecting more to the Midwest. The fourth team on the list is UCF. The growth of the student population and alumni along with their location would help to further lock down Florida. The last team on the list is Connecticut. The primary reason for adding the Huskies is basketball.
How To Monetize The ACC
- Expand Media Rights – ChatGPT indicates that the ACC could negotiate more lucrative media rights. Here’s where the subtleties mentioned above come into play. As a well-versed attorney indicated to us, all contracts can be broken, you just have to be able to pay for it. Is it worth it? Here again we begin talking about restructuring the conference which in essence could be the out with a penalty that the ACC can stomach. Here’s our question – With all of the delay, the hesitation and uncertainty along the way has the ACC put networks in a position that they would be unwilling to pay the kind of money commanded by the Big10 and SEC? One only has to look at what is left of the PAC 12 and wonder if that is where the ACC is ultimately headed?
- Develop New Revenue Streams – ChatGPT pulls from it’s data to indicate the ACC could explore new sources or invest in new technologies that may attract a younger fan base, such as esports or virtual reality. Keep in mind, much of what is generated reflects what has been discussed in different venues.
- Optimize Scheduling – Putting together higher-profile games and placing them in prime-time is one way to generate more interest and revenue according to ChatGPT. This is, in fact, an approach that the ACC is taking and will be more evident during the coming football season. Along with countless fans we believe the use of the ACC Network is far below it’s potential and that is even more of a problem with ACC Network Extra. Draw more eyes, sell more ads.
- Enhance Facilities – ChatGPT indicates that the conference could work with member schools to upgrade facilities which leads to a better fan experience and the ability to attract high-profile recruits. Many of the schools within the conference have and are doing just this but is it too little too late? For years schools were content to be in their comfort zone much to the conference’s detriment.
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ChatGPT finishes by stating, “Overall, the ACC’s best strategy for maximizing revenue would likely involve a combination of these approaches. By expanding membership, developing new revenue streams, optimizing scheduling, and enhancing facilities, the conference could increase revenue and strengthen its position as one of the top athletic conferences in the country.”
AI has the ability to put the pieces together (objectively) but it can’t make decisions for you. In this case, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips and his advisers will have to wade through (subjectively) the rest of the information and come to their own conclusions. Will it be in time?
