re: Why did the Big 12 take TCU over Louisville?

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Both football programs are comparable but Louisville has a much bigger athletic budget, a significantly better basketball program, and they would have added TVs and a new market to the Big 12. What were the advantages to bringing in TCU over Louisville?

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I've said it before, but I really think Louisville has been the most underrated prize of this whole expansion drama.

I know people like to talk about TV markets and all that garbage, but first and foremost it should be about the product you put on the field and your commitment to success.

Louisville has one of the best ADs in the nation. Their facilities are SEC-esque, especially when you factor in their insane basketball arena and baseball stadium. They've proven with the contract they've given Strong that they're committed to winning.

I fully expect them to continue their success in the ACC and possibly thrive with the increased resources/exposure.

Having said all this, I'm glad they both went where they did. I'm a huge proponent of maintaining regional conferences when at all possible. Louisville in the Big 12 or TCU in the ACC would have been fvcking stupid. They both fit perfectly where they're going to be.