[liveoak]

Thanks for that excellent breakdown OCcardinal.  There's always a story behind the numbers :)

The team has to play in the postseason if offered a berth.  Stanford can't risk becoming a no-fun program in the NIL era.  Coach Paye has to recruit the team each year as well as make the team an appealing destination for future transfers.

Never thought I'd see those words on the internet, even a nascent form of it in 1987.  First, the streak is amazing and should be acknowledged. At 36 consecutive appearances, Stanford was second only to Tennessee (42), and now will be tied with UCONN. Maybe UCONN will miss it next year. Right. What does anyone think UCONN would do faced with the WNIT or an off brand pay to play decision? Probably decline for not being up to their normal standard. The next longest streak is 20 years (Baylor). After that 13 years (Louisville and Maryland). Even magical South Carolina is "only" at 12 years. Anyone see Staley hanging around another 24 years?

I'm OK either way. I don't think they'd get anything out of it, now or for the future, other than a few more games to which few (especially recruits) will pay attention other than WTF is Stanford not in the tournament? Maybe Paye gets a few extra contractual dollars for postseason play?

I would respectfully disagree with this...I don't think that Stanford missing the NCAA Tournament is a reason to not play in another postseason tournament. 
I think that if the team and coaches want to play postseason - that is solely their call (along with the Athletic Dept., of course). I think there are real benefits to it - primarily for the underclass players so they can gain playing time together

[liveoak]

Thanks for that excellent breakdown OCcardinal.  There's always a story behind the numbers :)

The team has to play in the postseason if offered a berth.  Stanford can't risk becoming a no-fun program in the NIL era.  Coach Paye has to recruit the team each year as well as make the team an appealing destination for future transfers.

Never thought I'd see those words on the internet, even a nascent form of it in 1987.  First, the streak is amazing and should be acknowledged. At 36 consecutive appearances, Stanford was second only to Tennessee (42), and now will be tied with UCONN. Maybe UCONN will miss it next year. Right. What does anyone think UCONN would do faced with the WNIT or an off brand pay to play decision? Probably decline for not being up to their normal standard. The next longest streak is 20 years (Baylor). After that 13 years (Louisville and Maryland). Even magical South Carolina is "only" at 12 years. Anyone see Staley hanging around another 24 years?

I'm OK either way. I don't think they'd get anything out of it, now or for the future, other than a few more games to which few (especially recruits) will pay attention other than WTF is Stanford not in the tournament? Maybe Paye gets a few extra contractual dollars for postseason play?

I would respectfully disagree with this...I don't think that Stanford missing the NCAA Tournament is a reason to not play in another postseason tournament. 
I think that if the team and coaches want to play postseason - that is solely their call (along with the Athletic Dept., of course). I think there are real benefits to it - primarily for the underclass players so they can gain playing time together