As for FOX, between 16 and 32 games will be shown on their networks throughout the regular season.
A minimum of 12 games must be shown on either FOX or FS1, according to a league press release. This reads to likely mean about four games will air on FS2, and then likely more games will be spread out between FOX, FS1, and FS2 if the networks decide to go above the 16 games, which seems likely.
While FS2 is not as widely distributed, the option of more over-the-air games on FOX is a good addition.
Taken in whole, this level of exposure could have an enormous effect on recruiting and advertising, as well as the general public’s level of familiarity with the league.
But basketball won’t just be more prominently shown.
In all likelihood, the coverage will also be more spread out over the week.
During the media call, the logistics of the men’s basketball schedule came under discussion, with Thompson stating that the issue has yet to be finalized. He did suggest, however, that the league would likely be expanding its schedule into more nights during the week.
“I would say there’s an opportunity to play basketball games on maybe six nights out of the week versus the current five,” the commissioner suggested.
The best strategy for the league could be to embrace a Friday timeslot.
FOX has already added select Big Ten games on to its Friday night FS1 lineup, signaling an eagerness to change the perception of what is generally college basketball’s quietest day.
The inclusion of a Mountain West game to the Friday night schedule could lead to a weekly doubleheader. The league would have virtually no competition for viewers, and the audience from the earlier Big Ten game might be keen to stick around for a Mountain West nightcap.
But as Thompson reminded listeners during the call, those decisions will be made down the road.
For now, it is enough to know that this new deal will mean increased exposure for MW basketball.
And in a season where San Diego State has drawn extra attention to the conference—thanks to its 17-0 start and Top 10 national ranking—the timing couldn’t be better for the Mountain West.
Andrew is a current USBWA member, covering college basketball for multiple outlets, including Mountain West Wire of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group and Busting Brackets of the FanSided Network. He also runs the Dieckhoff Power Index, a college basketball analytics system, and provides bracketology predictions throughout the season.
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