[Mick]

I think it is valid to ask if major conference football is essential to Stanford Athletics. Or rather is the money from major conference football essential to Stanford Athletics? From what I can tell, the University will be heavily subsidizing Athletics for at least the next 7 years as Stanford gives back a share of its share of the ACC tier 1 media rights. This will enable Stanford to continue to offer 36 sports (or close to it, I still think a reckoning is coming where a few sports are cut for budget reasons). 

If Stanford drops down to a lesser FBS conference or to a lower division, the current broad-based Athletic program is viable if the University will continue to subsidize it.

Always thought Stanford should be in the MWC anyway. I'd go to Fresno, Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Diego, Berkeley, Reno, etc. for away games.

[Mick]

I think it is valid to ask if major conference football is essential to Stanford Athletics. Or rather is the money from major conference football essential to Stanford Athletics? From what I can tell, the University will be heavily subsidizing Athletics for at least the next 7 years as Stanford gives back a share of its share of the ACC tier 1 media rights. This will enable Stanford to continue to offer 36 sports (or close to it, I still think a reckoning is coming where a few sports are cut for budget reasons). 

If Stanford drops down to a lesser FBS conference or to a lower division, the current broad-based Athletic program is viable if the University will continue to subsidize it.

Always thought Stanford should be in the MWC anyway. I'd go to Fresno, Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Diego, Berkeley, Reno, etc. for away games.