Latest news with #Delany
New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Why does the Big Ten want four automatic CFP bids? The league's case has a long history
Five months after winning its second consecutive College Football Playoff national championship, the Big Ten has emerged bruised and battered from the process of proposing automatic qualifiers for an expanded CFP beginning with the 2026 season. The Big Ten has for months recommended a CFP plan that would give four automatic bids to itself and the SEC, two each to the ACC and Big 12 and one for the top conference champion from the other six leagues (4+4+2+2+1). If the size of the postseason expands from 12 to 16, as almost all stakeholders expect, the format allows for three at-large selections to make the field. Advertisement Other conferences have come out against it, strongly so in some cases. The ACC and Big 12 are in lockstep with a '5+11' plan, which would give the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 highest-ranked at-large teams entry into the Playoff. The SEC appears to be trending in that direction, too, after commissioner Greg Sankey supplied media with a multi-page breakdown of his league's strength-of-schedule prowess last week. No longer wounded by their 1-5 record against the Big Ten during the 2024-25 postseason, Sankey and SEC officials have successfully flipped the narrative. The Big Ten now looks like the arrogant bad actor hell-bent on enriching itself at the expense of its competition and the sport. Despite the Big Ten's prolonged silence on this topic and others, people in and around the league have expressed that's not the case. The Big Ten is willing to budge on guaranteed CFP qualifiers, but the uneven number of conference games among the power leagues gives the Big Ten pause on allowing a selection committee to wield the power of placing 11 at-large teams in the CFP field. The Big Ten and Big 12 play nine league games; the SEC and ACC play eight. Thirteen of the Big Ten's 18 teams compete against at least 10 power-conference opponents in 2025; 13 of the SEC's 16 teams face only nine power-conference teams. Unless the SEC moves to nine league games, don't expect the Big Ten to move on wanting guaranteed CFP slots. There's too much scheduling variance. The Big Ten has historical grounds to distrust a system that was supposed to reward strength of schedule and other concrete metrics and instead leaned into subjectivity to make prior selections. In July 2015, former Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany brought out slides and unveiled his '1910' scheduling plan, designed to make his conference champion competitive for the four-team CFP. The numbers represented one title game, nine league games, one intersectional power-conference opponent and no contests against Football Championship Subdivision competition. Delany believed his strategy would position the Big Ten well for its best team to earn a CFP spot and for non-champions to make New Year's Six bowl games. Advertisement 'I think that's responsive to what the College Football Playoff committee is looking for,' Delany said at the time. 'We think it's what our fans want. We think it's what our players want. And we think it's what the College Football Playoff committee wants.' Delany found out he was wrong, and he was furious. In 2017 and 2018, Big Ten champion Ohio State missed the CFP. It played nonconference games against Oklahoma in '17 and TCU in '18. The 2017 Buckeyes beat No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 9 Penn State and No. 16 Michigan State, but they finished fifth, behind Alabama, which beat only two teams that made the final rankings (No. 17 LSU, No. 23 Mississippi State) and didn't win its division. Considering Alabama won the national title that year, that was more of a disappointment than a snub to Delany. But in 2018, the committee disregarded the strategy with stakes one rung below the Playoff. In the final CFP rankings, Florida came in at No. 10 with LSU at No. 11 and Penn State at No. 12. All three teams were 9-3, but the SEC teams moved up to New Year's Six bowls. Again, the strength of schedule disparity chapped Delany most. Florida played four nonconference games: two FCS opponents, Colorado State (3-9) and Florida State (5-7). The Gators' three losses came by an average of 17 points. Penn State played three nonconference games, including one against ACC Coastal Division champion Pittsburgh and 11-2 Appalachian State. Penn State's losses came to 13-1 Ohio State, 10-3 Michigan and 7-6 Michigan State. Yet Delany felt the committee ignored nonconference scheduling when stacking those teams. 'The actual language in the founding document says, 'When comparing teams with similar records and similar resumes, should look at strength of schedule as well as winning conference championships,'' Delany said in 2019. 'I'm not sure that the strength of schedule or the conference championship has been adequately rewarded, in my personal view.' Advertisement The recent disagreements over selection criteria for the 12-team CFP date to what transpired in 2017 and 2018. Last year, Indiana finished 11-1 in the regular season, but a trio of 9-3 SEC teams barked about scheduling when the Hoosiers earned a CFP spot over them. Indiana's overall strength of schedule metrics were weak, but by the end of the postseason, it was the only team in the nation to play both the 2023 (Michigan, Washington) and 2024 CFP finalists (Ohio State, Notre Dame). The Hoosiers were one of just two Big Ten squads to face only nine power-conference opponents last year, but the trio of SEC teams had also played just nine power-conference teams. The nine-game schedule matters to the Big Ten because of the risks involved — it creates one extra loss for half the league compared to the SEC. Ohio State's lone conference losses in each of the 2017 and 2018 seasons came at West Division schools. Had the Big Ten played only eight league contests those years, Ohio State might not have traveled to those venues. Although the push for four guaranteed slots appears self-serving, out of the Power 4 leagues, only the Big Ten would have seen its number of CFP participants drop in the last four years with that plan compared to the 5+11 model, based on each power conference's current composition. With the 5+11 plan, the Big Ten would have qualified 20 teams, one more than the SEC (19), while the Big 12 and ACC would have 10 and nine, respectively. In a 4-4-2-2-1 model, the SEC and ACC numbers would stay the same, while the Big Ten's would drop by two and the Big 12's would rise by two. In a 5+11 plan, the SEC would have had three qualifiers in 2021 and '22 but seven in '23 and six in '24. Without uniform scheduling, Big Ten officials are concerned that an open 5+11 plan would cause more schools to ease up on their nonconference slates rather than play other power-conference schools; one recently called it a 'race to the bottom.' With guaranteed spots, nonconference games would have little impact on CFP qualification. Without guaranteed spots, teams may protect their records and not risk playing high-level nonconference games. Lastly, without divisional play in a larger conference, Big Ten officials believe guaranteed slots provide more teams with a major goal, especially if the Big Ten (and possibly the SEC) added two play-in games to decide some of its spots in a 16-team CFP. Had that format taken place last year, Indiana would have played Iowa and Illinois would have played Ohio State in December with CFP berths at stake. 'I love that,' Illinois coach Bret Bielema told The Athletic this spring. 'It makes all the games meaningful.' Advertisement The Big Ten and SEC have control over the next CFP era, so it's up to them, with consultation from other conferences, to find the best path forward. But until the Big Ten's scheduling concerns are met, don't expect it to fold anytime soon on its desire for guaranteed CFP bids. (Photo of Ohio State's 2017 Big Ten title game win: Joe Robbins / Getty Images)
BBC News
18-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Bryce heroics not enough to save Scotland's World Cup hopes
ICC Women's World Cup qualifier, LahoreScotland 268-7 (50 overs): K Bryce 131*, Fraser 33; Canning 3-48Ireland 269-9 (50 overs): Lewis 61, Delany 57*, K Bryce 3-49. Ireland won by one Captain Kathryn Bryce's stunning unbeaten century and three wickets were still not enough to keep Scotland's World Cup hopes alive as Ireland snatched a one-wicket win with the final ball in Scots needed to win by a big margin, coupled with defeat for Bangladesh against Pakistan on Saturday, to have a chance of finishing second in the qualifier tournament, while Ireland were already out of the despite a shaky start at 19-3, Bryce took control with a personal best knock of 131 to help Scotland to 268, their highest ever ODI score, as they looked good for Ireland came roaring back to set up an extremely tense final over during which Bryce was hit for four, took her third wicket, before consecutive leg byes in the final two balls gave Ireland the two runs they needed for Lister shared a partnership of 62 with Bryce before falling for 27 from 28 balls in the 20th over of Scotland's impressive skipper continued with support from Megan McCall (15), Katherine Fraser (33) and Priyanaz Chatterji (26).And Rachel Slater arrived at the crease for the final five overs, finishing not out on 13 from 11 balls as Bryce completed an incredible innings with her 14th four from the last delivery, to go with her two captain Gaby Lewis started the resistance with the bat, putting on 109 for the first wicket with fellow opener Sarah Forbes, but it was Laura Delany's crucial unbeaten 57 which got them over the losing Leah Paul (11), Louise Little (one), and Sophie McMahon (three) in little over four overs, Delany hung in and formed a crucial eighth-wicket stand with Jane Maguire, with the pair scoring 50 from 36 Maguire was caught off the bowling of Slater just before the 49th over, it appeared as if the momentum had swung Scotland's way again, as it did when Bryce bowled Ava Canning the ball after being hit for four in the final with two deliveries left, Cara Murray and Delany both profited from leg byes to break Scotland's hearts and end their hopes of playing at the World Cup in India in the finish their campaign with two wins from five games, as do Ireland, behind top two Pakistan and West Indies have an outside chance of leapfrogging Bangladesh with a big win over Thailand, assuming Pakistan win.
BBC News
13-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Irish World Cup hopes dashed by Bangladesh loss
2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup QualifiersIreland 235-8 (50 overs): Delany 63, Prendergast 41; Khan 3-39, Khatun 2-50Bangladesh 240-8 (48.4 overs): Moni 67 not out, Sultana Joty 51; Prendergast 2-14, Kelly 2-53Bangladesh win by two wicketsFull scorecard Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup suffered another blow with a two-wicket loss to Bangladesh in Delany's 63 and a 43 from Orla Prendergast helped Ireland to 235-8 in their innings.A famous win looked like it could be on the cards for Ireland as they restricted Bangladesh to Ritu Moni's unbeaten 67 helped a late surge and Bangladesh won with a pair of wickets and eight deliveries to qualifying defeat is a third in a row for Ed Joyce's side who are without a point with two matches left. The top two sides will qualify for the finals in India in the autumn, with Bangladesh, Pakistan and Scotland all on four points. Taking to the crease first, Ireland started well and were 149-4 by the time Prendergast was dismissed for the loss of Delany was the start of a run of wickets as the former Irish captain, Leah Paul and Christina Coulter-Reilly all fell in the space of five was out with eight balls remaining but Ireland still posted 235 in their innings. Ireland looked on track for a strong showing in the field when Amy Hunter caught opposing captain Nigar Sultana Joty for 51, a wicket that left Bangladesh on Moni scored 67 off 61 balls and a resurgent Bangladesh capitalised on a number of missed Irish opportunities to steer their way to victory. After defeats by Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh, Ireland are back in action on Tuesday against Thailand before a final qualifier with Scotland.
Los Angeles Times
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Field Trip: ArtCult members explore the local art community
A pause in the rain in Irvine last week was welcomed by art enthusiasts who gathered at Unveil Gallery to see its latest exhibition, 'Daydream.' Members of the Orange County Museum of Art's ArtCult received a private tour from Unveil Gallery director Lorraine Han of the new exhibition featuring seven contemporary artists. 'This show is about reality and illusion,' Han explained as she led the group through the exhibition, which explores the act of daydreaming and other themes of escapism. The private tour was a special treat and one of the perks ArtCult members receive with their membership. Created by the Orange County Museum of Art with young professionals, collectors and philanthropists in mind, ArtCult hosts bimonthly social and educational opportunities at OCMA and beyond. 'ArtCult is a unique opportunity for members to not only engage with programs that are happening at OCMA, like artists talks, exhibition previews, art and happy hours, but it is also a chance to get off site, away from the museum and into the community,' said Brittany Delany director of foundation, corporate and government giving at the Orange County Museum of Art. The ArtCult membership includes artist walk-throughs of new OCMA exhibitions as well as private collection tours and studio visits in the Southern California area. When one ArtCult member suggested taking the group on 'fields trips' Delany began organizing opportunities for members to explore the art scene beyond the OCMA's Costa Mesa campus. 'In the summer we did a field trip to the Coast Mesa/Newport Beach area to visit a collector's house as well as a gallery,' Delany said. 'This year, in the spirit of field trips, we have gone to Los Angeles and today we are in Irvine. We have some other destinations coming up soon.' At Unveil Gallery, Han directed the group's eye to a collection of Polaroid-sized hyper-realistic paintings on the wall by visual artist Mary Henderson. 'All of the paintings are inspired by photos Mary took at her nearby neighborhood park,' said Han. 'You probably have to move a little closer to see people's expressions in each work.' The group leaned in to take in the details Henderson highlighted with intention within the tight frame of each painting; the texture of woman's hair or the curve of a child's face. 'Your comment about the Polaroid feel is really true; they feel so sweet and personal,' one member commented. 'It is almost like they have a filter on them, like the pre-Instagram days filter pack,' said another. The discussion with other art-minded individuals is part of the draw for members who may be established art collectors or artists themselves. 'I have had a really good time connecting with members of ArtCult who are artists, who are collectors, who are gallerists or people like me who just like to see art,' Delany said. 'I have also met people who don't know where to start when it comes to being an art collector.' While the ArtCult membership is priced at $1,000 annually, OCMA also offers other membership options at different price points. Admission to the museum is always free. 'Heidi Zuckerman, our chief executive officer and director at OCMA, believes that art is for everyone and art is a human right,' Delany noted. Regular memberships in the museum start at $100 a year and include benefits like discounts on OCMA merchandise and at OCMA's cafe and restaurant, Verdant. Delany emphasizes joining is also a wonderful way to connect. 'The other reason people have become members is to have a fun place to go and to have a social network,' said Delany. To join ArtCult or to learn more about upcoming ArtCult events email membership@ To become an OCMA member, visit 'Daydream' is on view at Unveil Gallery until March 28.
The Guardian
18-02-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
AFL fans expected to fork out as Saturday live coverage goes behind paywall in 2025
The head of Foxtel says AFL fans will 'run towards the light' this season and subscribe to its pay TV service or sports streaming platform Kayo when they realise much of the season's live Saturday coverage has gone behind a paywall. A new AFL broadcast agreement with Fox Sports and Channel Seven kicks in this season. Kayo Sports or Foxtel will required to watch live AFL on a Saturday in Victoria and Tasmania for every round of the home-and-away season, and nationally for the first eight rounds. Patrick Delany believes Australians 'see as normal paying for content these days' and the new exclusive live Saturday AFL matches on the pay-TV provider will be enough convince them to sign up with a subscription platform. 'Sport is nothing unless it's live. 90% of all viewership on Kayo is live sport, so that's the beginning and ending,' he said. 'If you're not live, you're not in the game, and $25 a month is so cheap for a family to be entertained, so I think it's one of those moments where Australians will run towards the light.' Kayo has kept its basic plan at $25 per month since its launch seven years ago although its premium tier – offering streaming on two simultaneous devices and 4K picture quality – will increase in price from $35 to $40 in March. This season Foxtel will also use its own AFL commentators for every match of each round, rather than taking the Seven feed for matches it shares with the free-to-air broadcaster. Seven has been promoting its new rights deal which allows matches it screens via TV aerials to also be streamed on 7plus and a Saturday focus on state footy including the WAFL, SANFL and prime time VFL as part of a push for new footy content every day of the week. Seven's Saturday matches last year consistently averaged an audience of half a million viewers according to ratings provider Voz, and were regularly Australia's highest-rating Saturday program. The start of the new seven-year, $4.5bn AFL rights agreement comes as competition in streaming is increasing. Disney+ will begin to offer ESPN – also available on Foxtel and Kayo – in coming weeks, and Amazon and Netflix appear to be increasing their appetite for sporting properties. Delany said ESPN and its American codes represent 'a great offering of sport, but they're very minor sports in Australia, and they skew mainly to summer'. He said adding them to Disney+ is not unlike Foxtel's decision to add live AFL and NRL to subscribers of Binge, Foxtel's streaming platform with news and entertainment. The Fox Footy team have been working internally on the transition to the new rights arrangement since June, and Delany said he had collaborated with the AFL on a fixture which would assist in driving subscriptions. 'With the line-up of sports rights shifting and the way in which we do things, we always see change as great opportunity for growth,' he said. 'You want the subscribers to stay longer and to be better engaged, and we just see this as a golden era of sports streaming.' Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion Despite Seven's move into the streaming space this year, Delany said the network's new digital AFL rights won't affect Foxtel and Kayo subscriber numbers. 'Our kids are not watching free-to-air TV, they're watching YouTube and Tiktok. The world's moved on, and I think the network should have moved quicker to digital,' he said. 'In terms of how it affects us, Nine has had digital NRL rights forever [since 2018], it doesn't affect us and our growth. What affects what people want to watch is being able to see every game live, 4K, great commentary, and now the exclusivity of Saturday and other games.' Foxtel is awaiting ACCC and FIRB approval on a takeover by Saudi Arabia-backed streaming company Dazn. Delany said he hoped it could be resolved before the government went into caretaker mode ahead of the coming federal election, but he was excited about the global opportunities for Australian sport. 'To date, we've had to convince people like Sky and ESPN, can you do us a favour and put it on,' he said. 'Dazn are in 200 countries, this is one of those moments where we can really march forward and represent Australian sports very, very well.'
