The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has made headlines with its recent decision to expand its membership by adding three new schools – Stanford, Cal, and SMU. This move brings the total number of ACC members to 18 and marks a significant step in the conference’s pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.
The month-long process leading up to this decision was filled with negotiations and discussions among conference members. The president of the ACC, Jim Phillips, expressed his excitement about the new schools joining, stating that their inclusion would strengthen the league both academically and athletically.
The addition of Stanford, Cal, and SMU required a crucial vote, as there was uncertainty regarding the outcome until the last minute. Ultimately, NC State’s vote played a significant role in the expansion passing, as they voted in favor. This expansion comes at a time when collegiate athletics are undergoing significant changes, with other conferences also adding more schools to their ranks.
It’s worth noting that the new schools will initially receive a reduced share of ACC payouts. However, the withheld money will create additional revenue for the conference, benefiting all members in the long run. This addition is particularly welcomed by Stanford and Cal, as their athletic departments have faced financial challenges in the Pac-12.
SMU’s decision to forgo television revenue was driven by their desire to be a part of a major conference, coupled with the support of wealthy boosters. This move highlights the divisions within the ACC, as some members have voiced concerns about the revenue gap with other conferences.
Overall, the decision to add Stanford, Cal, and SMU is seen as both a financial and stability measure for the ACC. It addresses concerns about potential departures in the future and solidifies the conference’s position. Despite these additions, the ACC does not currently have any immediate plans to add more schools in the near future.
As the ACC expands its membership, it will be interesting to see how these new schools contribute to the conference’s success both on and off the field. Only time will tell if this move proves to be a game-changer for the ACC and its members. Stay tuned for more updates on Forever Sports Online.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”