As the AAC prepares to relocate from Providence, R.I., to Dallas next year, Commissioner Mike Aresco will begin looking for a "new space to give increased visibility and access to the conference offices," according to Callie Caplan of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. While the AAC has "waited for its lease to end" in the summer of '20, officials have been "talking to employees about the move to Dallas for several years and warning new hires about the prospects of relocating." Aresco said that in Dallas, the league will have "more frequent contact and opportunities to interact" with ADs, presidents and coaches. Aresco is also "looking forward to 'cross pollination' with other conferences and college football institutions." The Big 12 and CFP have HQs in Irving, while Conference USA is based in Dallas. Arlington, Dallas, Frisco and Ft. Worth combine to host four bowl games (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 5/31).
LOOKING FOR INCLUSION: In Orlando, Matt Murschel notes much of the AAC discussion during this week's spring meetings "centered on a variety of topics, including how the league handles" the ESPN+ aspect of its new media-rights deal and "re-energizing Power 6 marketing campaign." Aresco asked the group whether the AAC "should request a change" to the CFP requirements that would "send the highest ranked non-autonomous team to the New Year’s Six access bowl rather than the highest ranked conference champion stipulated under current rules." Aresco said that conference leaders "haven’t decided where they stand on the matter or whether they would take it up with the other Group of 5 conferences." The issue will be "revisited in July during the conference’s football media days and if the league chooses to move forward, Aresco will have to present it to the other Group of 5 leaders" in April '20 (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 5/31).
