By breaking away and keeping their historic name and tourney site, this helps elevate the conference brand high above where it was headed given (1) the impending defections of blue-chippers ( Syracuse, Pittsburgh), heavyweights (Notre Dame), and highly profitable programs (Louisville), and(2) the impending additions of Central Florida, Houston, Memphis, SMU, Tulane and East Carolina.

FORBES: What's In A Name? Try History, Brand Affinity as New Big East Stands Shoulders Above "America 12"

Historically, the annual income growth for blue chippers has benefited everyone--high, middle or lower first-round picks--pretty equally.

FORBES: Magazine Article

His fellow baseball legends--and fellow Yankees--Mantle, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio are also perennial blue chippers.

FORBES: Magazine Article