LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jayden Daniels #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils looks to pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Badgers defeated the Sun Devils 20-13. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
3 of 7
May 11, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General aerial view of the MGM Grand Las Vegas hotel and casino and the Las Vegas strip and skyline on Las Vegas Blvd. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Market Focus
In the world of NIL and the transfer portal, having big NIL deals is a big deal. Suddenly a market like Pullman, WA loses all of it’s appeal.
If the Big 12 went this route, the top choices would be:
UNLV – Las Vegas market is huge and would give access to the conference to venues that no other school could.
Oregon – Nike is an NIL in itself, and Eugene isn’t a small town either.
Utah – The Utes have Salt Lake City, plus much of Utah who don’t align themselves with BYU.
San Diego State – SDSU is in a huge market and would give the conference access to Southern California.
Arizona State – The Phoenix area is one of the biggest markets out west, and if the team gets hot, watch out for a ton of NIL potential.
Washington – Seattle is a huge market, although football isn’t a huge focus in that city.
Colorado – The Denver market would be nice to have, however much like Washington college sports aren’t a top priority in the city with so many professional teams.
Boise State – Boise is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and would have a huge geographic following.
Air Force – It is impossible to not support a military institution.
North/South Dakota State –
There are no big teams in either of the Dakotas. While there isn’t a huge population, being the only one within 500 miles any direction could add up to some NIL deals.
