Title: ACC Expansion Talks: Stanford, Cal, and SMU Considered for Inclusion
Introduction
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has been engaged in discussions regarding expansion opportunities, particularly the inclusion of Stanford and Cal. However, despite ongoing talks, no formal vote has been taken, and there is pushback within the league. This article explores the potential expansion of the ACC, the motivations behind it, and the implications for the schools involved.
Background on ACC Expansion Talks
The ACC has been holding multiple meetings this week to explore expansion possibilities and analyze the financial aspects associated with it. Notre Dame, a member of the ACC in other sports but an independent in football, is reportedly in favor of adding the Bay Area schools.
While the idea of a bicoastal ACC may seem surprising, Stanford and Cal have expressed their willingness to join at partial shares, and SMU has even offered to forgo any conference revenue distribution for five years. However, adding these three schools would not significantly improve the financial situations of existing ACC members. Travel and logistical challenges also pose significant concerns.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, a proponent of adding the Bay Area schools and SMU, initially considered adding up to seven Pac-12 schools after Oregon and Washington joined the Big Ten. However, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah subsequently moved to the Big 12 before any concrete offers were made.
Motivations for Expansion
Commissioner Jim Phillips has long believed in the synergy between academics and athletics in college sports. The academic profile of Stanford, Cal, and SMU is likely a driving factor behind their consideration for inclusion in the ACC.
Financial considerations are also crucial. The ACC’s current media rights agreement with ESPN extends until 2036. However, ACC members receive less revenue compared to their SEC and Big Ten counterparts. The ACC distributed an average of $39.4 million to its full members in the 2021-22 fiscal year, while SEC schools received $49.9 million and Big Ten schools received $58.8 million. The addition of new members would trigger a pro-rata increase in revenue, which could be used to address travel costs and adjust payouts to existing members.
Implications for Stanford, Cal, and SMU
For Stanford and Cal, ACC invitations would provide crucial opportunities after five Pac-12 schools left the conference. Both universities boast excellent academic profiles but lack the same level of commitment to big-time football as their counterparts like Oregon and Washington. Media executives have not valued them as highly.
If the ACC does not extend invitations to Stanford and Cal, they may need to consider independence or potentially dropping down from the Power 5 to the Group of 5 conferences, such as the Mountain West or the American Athletic Conference. These conferences have expressed interest in any or all of the remaining Pac-12 members.
The remaining Pac-12 schools, Oregon State and Washington State, are currently in a holding pattern as they await the ACC’s decision. They, along with Stanford and Cal, are the only Pac-12 schools left after recent departures to the Big Ten and Big 12.
Conclusion
The ACC’s ongoing discussions regarding expansion and the potential inclusion of Stanford, Cal, and SMU have generated significant interest. While no formal vote has taken place, the ACC’s consideration of bicoastal expansion reflects a desire to enhance its academic profile and address financial disparities among member institutions. The implications for Stanford, Cal, and SMU are significant, as their inclusion in the ACC would provide stability and opportunities for growth. As the talks progress, it remains to be seen whether the necessary votes will be secured for this expansion to become a reality.