Go into the next round of tv negotiations with a figure of 8 million per team. The AAC has solidified itself as the 6th best conference, no question. We have put a team in the NY6 bowl every year except 1. At some point in every season we have 3 teams ranked. There is no doubt we are above the rest of the G5 and we are due a significant increase in tv revenue because of it. Put in the contract that negotiations can reopen if the conference expands. After the AAC contract is solidified go after the following schools for football only:
Boise State, San Diego State, Air Force, and Army.
The MWC will not be able to compete with the AAC in tv revenue as they have not made any strides in competition since the formation of the AAC. It would be financially irresponsible for them to decline an invite if the AAC schools are making 4 times what the MWC school's are. Now you have solidified yourself with 2 more major markets, all of the service academies and greater competition and strength of schedule. Each year the AAC will start the season with 3 schools ranked and the committee should view a greater strength of schedule for playoff consideration. Each team plays 7 division games, 2 crossover conference games, 3 ooc games with 1 cupcake and 2 P5 teams.
Then renegotiate going in with a figure of 15 million but settling for no less than 12 million. The AAC will be the only conference with coast to coast viewing from Thursday through late Saturday night.
I feel like this is the only way the AAC even sniffs the playoffs. This would be a solid conference with great value and an undeniable power 6 especially with the added revenue.