The AAC is already putting up much better ratings numbers than the other "non power" conferences. There is a sizeable gap actually.
Black Friday match between Houston and Memphis on ABC last year had over 3 million viewers and was ahead of a PAC 12 matchup on FOX and an SEC matchup on CBS.
AAC Championship last season drew 50% more viewers than an undefeated team in the MAC championship, more than double the CUSA championship, and triple the MWC championship.
2015 AAC Championship drew 30% more viewers than the MAC, CUSA, and MWC championships combined, and the MAC championship was on a Friday with no competition.
There is plenty of ammunition for the AAC commish to go into the next round of negotiations and get a better deal for the conference.