It seems to be quiet on the topic of MVC expansion lately. Has anyone else seen any talk?
I am guessing that Loyola's run extinguished any near-term expansion discussions if they existed prior. I prefer a ten-team league myself.
Murray State fans traveled well to the OVC tournament this year. There was an estimate of 3,000+ fans there. That could be attractive for Arch Madness, but I think Murray would be a travel headache for several Valley teams. Is there any room for them in football?
At this point, leave it at 10. Butler, et al have already found new homes. Murray needs the MVC more than MVC needs Murray.
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
Murray State would be a great get for the MVC. I hope The Valley continues to pursue them. If I'm Murray State if they choose to join The Valley, I would ensure the football program is added to the MVFC. Big step up for them, but hopefully the would rise to that challenge.
I agree. Murray would elevate the Valley and not vice versa.
Not sure I would go that far. They are not going to elevate us back to a multi-bid league. Basketball attendance is nothing special. travel for half the league would be a big pain. limited regional media coverage. tiny endowment. average academics. would be a decent add if someone leaves but we don't need an extra mouth to feed. I'm always wrong but I see little to no elevation for the league. maybe a growth project like Valpo. stay at 10.
Craving a McBride Special!
Moving up to MVC could break their bank, which is smaller than SIU’s. If the move is made, I hope it’s a deal where they can ensure they can meet the financial commitment to compete.
Murray State has a good basketball program and brought a ton of fans to Evansville for the OVC Tournament last year. If they're interested, the MVC should definitely be after them.
Murray State has a good basketball program and brought a ton of fans to Evansville for the OVC Tournament last year. If they're interested, the MVC should definitely be after them.
Murray State very much wants to be in the MVC.
Craving a McBride Special!
Murray’s made a couple 2nd Rounds, a couple top 25’s, and a couple NBA’ers this decade. Under a low major banner.
They would absolutely make the MVC a better league. What program in a comparable league to the OVC has been as good? I can’t think of one. And their ceiling will be higher in the MVC.
They are in worse financial trouble than SIU. The abyss for Murray is coming soon
Murray State would be a great pick up for the MVC considering that they're a 2 and half hour drive from SIU and UE! But it's not the market the Valley wants to be in. If you looked at the last two schools that joined, they have a close proximity to the city of Chicago and the other schools that were rumored to be invited over LU and Valpo were in major cities like UW-Milwaukee or UM-Kansas City. (Which I hope neither of them ever get an invite.)
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Former WIDB Sports Director and Dawg Pound President. Since my freshmen year, SIU Basketball has not appeared in a NCAA or NIT postseason game.
Murray State would be a great pick up for the MVC considering that they're a 2 and half hour drive from SIU and UE! But it's not the market the Valley wants to be in. If you looked at the last two schools that joined, they have a close proximity to the city of Chicago and the other schools that were rumored to be invited over LU and Valpo were in major cities like UW-Milwaukee or UM-Kansas City. (Which I hope neither of them ever get an invite.)
It's all about the TV dollars. It's why the Big Ten added Maryland and Rutgers (DC and NYC markets).
I agree. Murray would elevate the Valley and not vice versa.
Murray makes the tournament all the time in the OVC so moving to the Valley would not necessarily help them as far as tourney visits go.
Key is "in the OVC". Unlike every team in the MVC, excepting Drake I think, Murray has never made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Color me unimpressed.
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
Key is "in the OVC". Unlike every team in the MVC, excepting Drake I think, Murray has never made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Color me unimpressed.
While not recent history...Drake has three Sweet Sixteen appearances and one Final Four as a member of the MVC.
