What are the potential consequences for Stanford and Cal if they are not able to join the ACC?
If Stanford and Cal are not able to join the ACC, there could be several potential consequences for both universities. Firstly, they may miss out on the financial benefits that come with being a member of the ACC. The ACC has reported record revenue, and by not joining the conference, Stanford and Cal would not have access to the increased revenue from the ACC Network. This could impact their ability to fund athletic programs and facilities, as well as potentially hinder their competitiveness in recruiting top athletes.
Secondly, not being able to join the ACC could limit the exposure and recognition that Stanford and Cal receive. The ACC is a well-established and highly regarded conference, and being a part of it would increase visibility for Stanford and Cal’s athletic programs. This could have both short-term and long-term implications for their overall brand and reputation, as well as their ability to attract top-tier coaches, athletes, and even potential academic students.
Lastly, if Stanford and Cal are unable to join the ACC, it may lead to further uncertainty and speculation about the future of the Pac-12 Conference. There have already been predictions about teams leaving the Pac-12 for other conferences, and Stanford and Cal’s exclusion from the ACC could potentially accelerate this trend. This could weaken the Pac-12’s overall competitiveness and financial standing, as well as create instability in the conference as teams search for new homes.
How might the ACC’s decision on revenue allocation impact the future of the conference?
The ACC’s decision on revenue allocation will likely have a significant impact on the future of the conference. The allocation of revenue can influence the distribution of resources among member schools, which in turn can affect their competitiveness and overall financial stability.
If the ACC decides to allocate revenue based on factors such as competitive success, television appeal, and academic performance, it could potentially create a more balanced and competitive conference. Schools that consistently perform well in sports and have high television ratings would be rewarded, which could incentivize other schools to improve their programs in order to receive a larger share of the revenue.
On the other hand, if the ACC chooses to disproportionately reward certain schools, such as Clemson and Florida State, it could lead to increased inequality within the conference. This could potentially create tensions and dissatisfaction among member schools that feel they are not receiving a fair share of the revenue. It may also impact the willingness of certain schools to remain in the ACC, as they may seek opportunities in conferences where the revenue distribution is more favorable to them.
Overall, the ACC’s decision on revenue allocation will shape the financial landscape of the conference and could impact its long-term stability and competitiveness.
What implications does this article have for the future of college conference realignment and expansion?
This article raises implications for the future of college conference realignment and expansion. The opposition faced by Stanford and Cal in their bid to join the ACC highlights the challenges and complexities involved in conference realignment. Even if there is vocal support from certain schools within a conference, it does not guarantee approval or smooth entry into a new conference.
This article also points to the potential for shifting conference affiliations among schools. The fact that schools like Florida State may consider leaving the ACC if there are no changes to revenue distribution indicates that schools are actively seeking the best financial opportunities and conference alignments for their programs.
Furthermore, the article raises questions about the financial value and marketability of certain schools when it comes to conference expansion. The debate over whether Stanford and Cal are a better fit for the ACC or the American Athletic Conference highlights the strategic decisions that conferences and schools need to make when considering expansion.
Overall, this article suggests that college conference realignment and expansion will continue to be a topic of interest and speculation in the future, as schools aim to position themselves in conferences that offer the best financial benefits, exposure, and competitive opportunities.
Full summary
In a surprising turn of events, Stanford and Cal's bid for membership in the ACC is facing strong opposition from several schools within the conference. Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, and NC State have all expressed their opposition to the proposed expansion. This has put Stanford and Cal just one vote short of the required approval from the ACC's presidents and chancellors.
The ACC requires approval from 12 of its 15 presidents and chancellors for any expansion. Without enough yes votes, a formal expansion vote is unlikely to take place. This has left Stanford and Cal in a precarious position as they seek to join the ACC.
If the Pac-12 members cannot join the ACC, they are likely to explore other options when the Pac-12's rights deal expires. The Mountain West Conference and the American Athletic Conference are potential alternatives for Stanford and Cal. However, the Mountain West Conference is currently waiting for the ACC's deliberation before making a decision.
ACC members have until next Tuesday to notify if they plan to change conferences for the 2024 season. Florida State, in particular, may consider leaving the ACC if there are no changes to how media revenue is distributed.
Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, and Louisville are among the vocal supporters of adding Stanford and Cal to the ACC. However, some have questioned why Notre Dame's opinion matters since they remain independent in football.
In addition to the main source, there have been several other reports related to the ACC's expansion consideration. It has been reported that the ACC is considering adding teams, with Stanford and Cal being explored as potential expansion options. Two calls have been scheduled to discuss the potential addition of Stanford and Cal, indicating a serious consideration of their membership.
However, there is uncertainty about the financial value that Stanford and Cal would bring to the ACC. Some speculate that they may fit better in the American Athletic Conference, given recent conference realignment in college football.
The opposition to Stanford and Cal's addition by Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina, and NC State was confirmed by a conference source. It was reported that there was an informal straw poll where four ACC schools opposed the addition of Stanford and Cal. The identities of these schools were first reported by Sports Illustrated.
Despite the opposition, the formal vote has not been scheduled, indicating that the administrators do not yet have enough support. It remains to be seen if any of the schools will change their stance or if there will be other tentative supporters who could vote against the addition.
The ACC's revenue has been increasing, reporting a league-record $578.3 million in revenue in the previous year. ACC schools are expected to receive a sizable increase in revenue following the full distribution of the ACC Network. However, the ACC officials now need to decide how to allocate the revenue moving forward.
The consideration for revenue allocation includes factors such as competitive success, television appeal, academic performance, and sport sponsorship. There is speculation about rewarding brands like Clemson and Florida State that drive high football ratings, as well as rewarding ACC playoff teams and New Year's Six bowl teams.
There is also discussion about disparately sharing NCAA basketball tournament revenue based on the number of tournament games played. This decision will have a significant impact on the financial trajectory of the ACC.
The college conference realignment and expansion speculation has been a hot topic, particularly regarding the future of the Pac-12 Conference. There are predictions that Pac-12 teams, including Stanford and Cal, may join other conferences such as the Big 12 or the Big Ten.
Notre Dame, despite remaining independent in football, has also been a subject of interest. The Big Ten has reportedly expressed interest in adding Notre Dame, and the potential media rights deal could have a significant impact on the future of Irish athletics.
In conclusion, Stanford and Cal's bid for ACC membership is facing strong opposition from several schools within the conference. Despite vocal support from other ACC members, the formal expansion vote has not yet been scheduled. The ACC officials need to carefully consider the financial value, allocate revenue, and navigate the ongoing college conference realignment and expansion speculation. The future of Stanford and Cal's membership in the ACC remains uncertain, but the impact of this decision could have long-reaching effects on college football as a whole.
