This is actually a really good post.The concept of media markets is so 1990. With that advent of streaming, media market size is completely irrelevant. It's not like any of these G5 Leagues have their own national TV network deal like the Big Ten Network or the Pac 12 Network. You go for teams that have a good national interest. We have solid TV ratings when on ABC or ESPN (with zero promotion) and we have a national brand. That's why Nebraska was a better add than Rutgers, who in hindsight they probably regret going into the NY Market.
I would argue that the reason Conference USA will be dissolving in the near future is because they chose huge media markets with no name teams that nobody watches over quality programs with great rivalries. A good example of this is the Sunbelt choosing Georgia Southern and Appalachian State. Very small markets but they pack their stadiums and fans nationally find them interesting. Conference USA turned them down. Instead they chose huge markets like North Texas that nobody cares about it Dallas. North Texas to Dallas is what Crookston is to Fargo. When it was time to renew their TV contract, C-USA teams lost 80% of their dollars despite having bigger markets because nobody gives a fuck about half their teams. Now ironically, the Sunbelt with their little former FCS Schools will drive the final nail in C-USAs coffin by stealing their teams because they are the better conference with a better TV deal. NDSU, arguably has a better TV deal than C-USA. Check out how bad it is and it will blow your mind
But a huge asset for NDSU is being in the Central Time Zone. CBS Sports Network HATES the Pacific time zone because it cuts off the entire eastern time zone for ratings.
As far as money goes... if they lose 2 teams, they will have to replace the 2 teams so they money would not be diluted. When they renew their contract in 2025-2026, they will get dramatically less money if they don't have quality teams. Right now the AAC has the best deal, 7 million per team but that will dry up big time.