Yes, this has been discussed in other threads. How about a deep debate on this issue?
As deep as I'll get for now.
No.
Reference my rant on why it's a bone-headed move to drop to a lower league and multiply that by 10 for a move to d2
NO WAY . STAY IN MVC! Support the Rev's Foundation.
No from me, unless we are in that level of financial dire straits (which do not seem that far off).
But YES to shifting to a lower DI conference which better aligns with our NIL and other financial resources. Particularly one that has a solid geographical fit for us. Losing is no fun. And almost a decade of losing is double no fun. Even if we get a little more $$ from Drake winning.
There's no reason to go to those extremes yet. The best solution would be to switch conferences before dropping down a level
As I understand it, revenue sharing commences next season, including a court-mandated stipulation that all D-1 member schools are required to make retroactive payments to former players of revenue sports for the previous 10 years. Some have projected that revenue sharing will force small D-1 programs on small shoestring budgets, like Valpo, to leave D-1. This is not an unintended consequence, it’s a cold and calculated plan orchestrated by the P-4. Another money grab to make the rich richer.
As I understand it, revenue sharing commences next season, including a court-mandated stipulation that all D-1 member schools are required to make retroactive payments to former players of revenue sports for the previous 10 years. Some have projected that revenue sharing will force small D-1 programs on small shoestring budgets, like Valpo, to leave D-1. This is not an unintended consequence, it’s a cold and calculated plan orchestrated by the P-4. Another money grab to make the rich richer.
Last I read, and it could have changed, was that the pool this would come from was not from the schools themselves and also that it was only P5 conferences.
This year the Valparaiso vs. Missouri State game drew 1200 fans. There was a time when Valparaiso vs. Missouri Sate would pack the ARC. I believe this atmosphere is what most Valpo fans expected when they joined the MVC; unfortunately, this is not what they have gotten. Watch and weep:
I would wait to see how the NIL and transfer protocol will resolve before making a decision. I certainly don’t like where D1 college basketball is going. In a lost cause scenario because of many circumstances, if Valpo is losing big revenue, it’s time to consider D2 or D3. But not right now.
You can't just drop to Division II in basketball. Everything else would go to Division II as well. The university doesn't need another thing going backwards.
This year the Valparaiso vs. Missouri State game drew 1200 fans. There was a time when Valparaiso vs. Missouri Sate would pack the ARC. I believe this atmosphere is what most Valpo fans expected when they joined the MVC; unfortunately, this is not what they have gotten. Watch and weep:
I feel mixed emotions. I was at that game with friends and family. Such great memories. At the same time, it’s sad knowing those days are likely gone forever. Still, better to have loved and lost than never to have loved.
ChatGPT
If a Division I basketball program moves down to Division II, it would lose several financial and structural benefits, including:
Financial Benefits Lost
1. NCAA Revenue Distribution – Division I schools receive a share of the NCAA’s basketball tournament revenue, particularly from March Madness. Division II schools receive significantly less from NCAA distributions.
2. TV and Media Deals – Division I schools, especially in major conferences, receive money from television contracts, conference networks, and national broadcasts. Division II has far fewer lucrative media opportunities.
3. Sponsorships and Endorsements – Corporate sponsorships and apparel deals are often tied to Division I status. A move to Division II may reduce the value of these agreements.
4. Conference Revenue Sharing – Many Division I conferences distribute funds to member schools based on TV rights, ticket sales, and NCAA tournament performance.
5. Ticket Sales and Attendance – Division I schools generally have larger fan bases and higher ticket prices. Moving to Division II could mean fewer fans, lower ticket prices, and decreased revenue.
6. Fundraising and Donor Support – Alumni and booster donations often decrease when a school drops to a lower division due to reduced national exposure.
7. NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Opportunities – While NIL deals exist in Division II, the opportunities for players to sign major deals are much smaller compared to Division I.
8. Athletic Department Budget Cuts – The school’s overall athletic budget may shrink due to fewer revenue streams, which could impact other sports programs as well.
Other Benefits Lost
1. Scholarship Limits – Division I allows up to 13 full scholarships for men’s basketball, while Division II limits scholarships to a total equivalent of 10 full scholarships, which can be divided among multiple players.
2. Recruiting Advantages – Top high school recruits prefer Division I programs for better exposure and professional opportunities.
3. National Exposure – Division I teams get more media coverage, including ESPN broadcasts, national rankings, and tournament bids.
4. NCAA Tournament and Prestige – March Madness is exclusive to Division I, meaning the school would no longer be able to compete in the tournament or benefit from the financial incentives associated with it.
5. Quality of Competition – Division I schools regularly face top-tier competition, helping player development and school reputation.
6. Facilities and Resources Justification – Many Division I schools have elite training facilities that may become harder to justify maintaining at a Division II level.
Overall, moving from Division I to Division II significantly impacts financial standing, visibility, and competitiveness. Some schools may do this to cut costs, but they risk losing prestige, revenue, and long-term program stability.
A Case for moving from Div. 1 to Div. 2
Chat GPT
Moving a basketball program from Division I to Division II can be a strategic decision that offers financial relief, a better academic-athletic balance, and a more sustainable athletic model. Here’s a strong argument for why a school might consider making the switch:
1. Financial Sustainability & Cost Savings
• Lower Scholarship Costs – Division I schools can offer up to 13 full scholarships, while Division II is limited to 10 equivalency scholarships (which can be split among players). This significantly reduces tuition costs.
• Reduced Operating Expenses – Division I programs require larger budgets for travel, recruiting, and coaching salaries. Moving to Division II allows schools to cut costs without eliminating the sport altogether.
• Less Pressure for Revenue Generation – Many mid- and low-major Division I programs lose money trying to keep up with larger schools. Without the need to sustain costly TV deals, luxury facilities, and high-paid coaching staffs, the financial burden is less in Division II.
2. Competitive Balance & Athletic Success
• More Competitive Play – Many lower-tier Division I schools struggle to compete and rarely make the NCAA Tournament. In Division II, the school would likely be more competitive, making deep playoff runs, winning championships, and gaining recognition.
• Increased Fan Engagement – Fans prefer to watch a winning team in Division II rather than a struggling one in Division I. A competitive team can boost attendance and school spirit more effectively than constant losses.
• More Regional Play – Division II teams play more local opponents, reducing travel costs and allowing for natural rivalries, which can increase fan interest.
3. Focus on Academics & Student-Athlete Experience
• Better Academic-Athletic Balance – Division I sports often demand year-round training, travel, and media obligations. Moving to Division II reduces this burden, allowing athletes to focus more on academics and campus life.
• Lower Transfer Risks – In Division I, players often transfer for better NIL deals or playing time. Division II fosters more stable rosters and team continuity because the focus is less on professional aspirations and more on development.
4. NCAA Compliance & Less Strain on Administration
• Fewer NCAA Regulations & Compliance Costs – Division I has rigorous compliance requirements related to recruiting, scholarships, and eligibility, which demand a full compliance staff. Division II has fewer restrictions and lower administrative burdens.
• Less Pressure from NIL & Recruiting Wars – The NIL era has turned Division I recruiting into an arms race for sponsorship deals and financial incentives. In Division II, the focus shifts back to athletics and education rather than financial negotiations.
5. Aligning Athletics with Institutional Mission
• More Consistent with School Size & Goals – Not every school is built to sustain a Division I program. Many universities prioritize academic excellence, research, or community engagement, and a Division II model aligns better with those goals.
• Maintains Athletics While Reducing Risks – Rather than cutting the basketball program entirely due to financial strain, a move to Division II allows the school to retain the sport in a sustainable way.
Conclusion
Moving from Division I to Division II is a smart financial and strategic decision for schools struggling with budget constraints, competitiveness, or administrative burdens. It allows for a more sustainable athletic department, a better student-athlete experience, and a chance to actually compete at a high level rather than being an afterthought in Division I.
For many universities, a winning, financially stable Division II program is far more valuable than a struggling, debt-ridden Division I team.
Sure, if Valpo wants to close its doors just a few years later. The D2 institutions are more likely to shutdown than D1 or D3. Any Valpo faculty/administrators that think Valpo would survive a move to D2 or D3, are sorely mistaken.
