The director of athletics also cited the new UB Stadium and football facilities, acquired via the World University Games, as another big asset. Townsend and NCAA Faculty Representative Charles Fourtner shared insights with FSEC members into the future plans of the NCAA, and the how those plans impacted UB's decision to step up to Division I-A sports. In its new conference, UB will join Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent, Miami of Ohio, Ohio University, Toledo and Western Michigan. UB need play only seven of its 11 games against other conference squads. I powers, such as Syracuse, Notre Dame, Army or Navy, are now possible.
Schools negotiate with each other for non-conference games.
While the early years will surely present many challenges, the conference change improves Buffalo's chances to earn football bowl berths or spots in NCAA or NIT post-season basketball tournaments. Also, UB stands to earn about five times its current financial package for playoffs. When you play a nationally known team, you earn a share of the NCAA national television revenues, Fourtner explained. The new level of play should also further fuel the department's successful development operations. Townsend explained that current facilities should support the athletic department's needs for some years to come.