G5 Administrators Explore Options for Postseason Playoff and Realignment
In recent months, Group of 5 (G5) administrators have been engaging in preliminary discussions about the possibility of a G5-only postseason playoff or wide-scale realignment with the involvement of private equity. Derek Dooley, a former college and NFL coach, has reportedly been acting as a salesman on behalf of private equity firms, reaching out to schools. While nothing has been finalized yet, conversations have become more serious than ever before, according to multiple administrators from the G5 conferences.
The idea of a G5-only postseason playoff or a complete reorganization of the G5 conferences gained traction after the Big Ten and SEC utilized their influence to reshape the new College Football Playoff contract, securing themselves more guaranteed revenue and control. This served as a tipping point for many G5 administrators, who realized the need to take control of their own destiny before decisions were made for them by power brokers like Tony Petitti and Greg Sankey.
The plans under discussion vary among administrators. Some prefer the idea of creating a smaller-scale postseason to replace bowl games, while others believe that all G5 conferences, particularly the American, Conference USA, and Sun Belt, should reorganize geographically under one banner with multiple divisions and share revenue equally, similar to a professional sports league.
The concept of G5 reorganization or the formation of a G5 football-only Super League was informally discussed when the ongoing wave of conference realignment began in 2021. Former Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany proposed the idea of three G5 leagues with southeastern footprints (AAC, CUSA, Sun Belt) reorganizing geographically. Shortly after, the AAC added six schools from CUSA, leading to significant financial disparities between the AAC and other G5 leagues.
During the recent College Football Playoff spring meetings, AAC commissioner Mike Aresco dismissed the idea of the G5 going their own way, emphasizing the importance of widespread CFP participation for the health of the sport. Aresco expressed concerns that creating a G5-only format would label the leagues as second-class. However, with Aresco set to retire soon, his replacement Tim Pernetti has shown openness to exploring “maverick postseason models” and engaging with private equity.
While geographic reorganization offers benefits such as increased fan attendance and reduced travel costs for non-revenue sports, there are obstacles to overcome. Each G5 conference has its own television contracts, posing questions about potential exit fees and financial advantages. The willingness of AAC and Mountain West schools to give up their advantages over the other leagues also needs to be considered. Additionally, current G5 commissioners may need to assume control of reorganized divisions, and the possibility of G5 schools joining a conference like the ACC in the event of its dissolution further complicates matters.
Moreover, administrators remain skeptical about the involvement of private equity in college sports. There have been presentations from power brokers proposing an 80-team Super League, but these ideas have not gained much traction. The value of the G5 lies partially in its ties to Power 4 conferences, especially now that one G5 team is guaranteed a spot in the 12-team Playoff. However, administrators are concerned about how long this guarantee will last and whether the SEC and Big Ten could change the format, jeopardizing the G5’s automatic spot. As a result, administrators are eager to explore alternative models and be prepared for any future changes.
While no definitive decisions have been made, administrators are now receptive to discussing new possibilities. The landscape of college football is rapidly evolving, and G5 administrators recognize the need to adapt and secure their future. By exploring options for a G5-only postseason playoff or realignment with private equity involvement, they aim to take control of their destiny and ensure they have a say in shaping the future of college football.