Title: ACC Presidents Consider Adding Stanford, Cal, and SMU to Conference
Date: [Insert Date]
In a landmark decision that could reshape the landscape of college sports, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) presidents are preparing to vote on the potential addition of three prestigious universities: Stanford, Cal, and SMU. The vote, set to take place on Friday, comes as a response to the recent departure of six Pac-12 member schools earlier this summer.
The possibility of expanding the ACC has been a hot topic of discussion amongst conference officials for months. The ACC required support from 12 out of its 15 member schools to greenlight expansion; however, a straw poll conducted in mid-August fell just one vote short of the required majority.
Concerns surrounding travel distances for in-conference play and potential economic disparities arising from a new conference arrangement were raised by the Board of Trustees of UNC-Chapel Hill. The chair and vice chair of the board released a statement expressing their opposition to the expansion. Despite this opposition, ACC officials remain committed to exploring all avenues to secure the necessary support.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips has been instrumental in proposing various financial models to potentially sway member schools in favor of expansion. SMU has reportedly offered to accept zero revenue from ACC media rights for the first seven years, while Stanford and Cal have signaled their willingness to begin initially at around 30 percent. This bold move could result in over $70 million of new revenue being distributed among existing members starting in the 2024-25 academic year.
The additional funds generated from expansion are expected to be allocated towards implementing a new revenue distribution system. Notably, schools with a strong football program, like Florida State and Clemson, would receive financial rewards based on their on-field performance. This move aims to narrow the financial gap between ACC schools and their counterparts in the SEC and Big Ten conferences.
If granted entry into the ACC, Stanford, Cal, and SMU would be required to sign the ACC’s grant of rights, which runs through 2036. While these schools may not receive full media rights revenue, they would still benefit from other league revenue, including shares from the College Football Playoff and NCAA tournament.
As the fate of the ACC expansion hinges on the impending vote, all eyes are on the ACC presidents as they debate and determine whether Stanford, Cal, and SMU will become the newest additions to this prestigious athletic conference. The decision, if approved, could bring about a new era of competition and revenue distribution within the ACC.
