The big picture is the cost associated with maintaining the various programs in order to remain in a power conference. VA state schools are at a slight disadvantage than state schools from other states because state law prohibits taxpayer dollar being used to fund collegiate capital athletic projects. Whereas in other states that is allowed.

Something to keep in mind is that if/when the power conferences form their own association/division level, then they will decide the bare minimum number of sports a school must sponsor in order to participate in this group. Currently, DI schools must sponsor 18 sports and VT right now only sponsors 18 sports. If the group decides to increase the bare minimum, then VT has 2 options;

1. Increase the number of sports sponsored to meet the bare minimum requirement in order to continue remaining in the new group; or

2. Decide the additional cost is not worth it and not to participate in the new group.

Right now VT may have enough extra cash to cover adding a couple sports (assuming it doesn't need to build brand new facilities too). If VT is forced to build brand new facilities, then that could reduce the number of sports it can add in relatively short notice.

The misconception floating out there is that if/when the power conferences decide to breakaway that the schools will have all this extra money upfront to add all the necessary new sports that is required. I am suggesting that it may not be the case for all schools and they will accumulate the necessary funds at different times. Even if the group gives each school 3-5 years to meet the new minimum requirement, it still may not be enough time for a school to raise the necessary funds to cover the startup cost and build the facility (if required).