AAC commissioner calls poaching accusations 'grossly irresponsible'

AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco spoke about conference realignment today at AAC Media Days. The Athletic’s Chris Vannini reported he denied claims that his conference is actively looking to coerce schools away from the Big 12.

“We are not looking at realignment and not out there attempting to take teams,” Aresco said. 

Aresco: “We are not looking at realignment and not out there attempting to take teams."

“Our conference has never plotted with ESPN to influence conference structure."

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) August 4, 2021

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby alleged last week that ESPN was trying to persuade teams from his faltering conference to pursue other options. He insinuated the AAC was involved.

Aresco said he has not reached out to any schools, but he will not discuss that topic publicly. 

Aresco made a point to say that the AAC has never plotted with ESPN either.

“Any suggestions or statements that we colluded with ESPN with regard to the structure of any other conference is a completely unfounded and grossly irresponsible accusation,” Aresco said. 

That remark comes after Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby sent a scathing letter to the media giant last week insinuating that ESPN has been active in trying to coerce members of the Big 12 to leave the conference, further destabilizing it. ESPN denied the accusations. 

The AAC has a $1 billion television deal with ESPN that runs through 2031-2032.

Despite denial, the AAC is open for business

While Aresco denied the idea that his conference is looking to pull teams from the Big 12, he did not shy away from the fact that there might be teams that would be beneficial to the AAC in the future. 

“If there are schools interested in us who could enhance our brand and be a cultural and competitive fit, then why wouldn’t we consider what happens down the road?” Aresco said. 

Given the AAC’s recent success – particularly with teams like Cincinnati and UCF challenging teams at the Power 5 level – it would make sense that they would have an interest in adding Power 5 teams to their conference. Houston, SMU and Tulsa are the current AAC teams in Texas and Oklahoma. 

AAC Media Days are virtual on August 3-4 and are being broadcasted from the conference’s studio in Irving. The studio is in the same building as the College Football Playoff. 

“People will say I planned it so I could go up and complain in person,” Aresco joked.

Photo courtesy of Bob Levey via Getty Images