ACC Schools Push Back On Adding Cal, Stanford

A new week begins with all eyes in college sports on the ACC as the conference mulls expansion — a decision that will have ramifications for schools across the country.

No more bombshell moves have been solidified since five more teams left the Pac-12 on Aug. 4. But more movement could happen any day as the University of California, Stanford, Oregon State, and Washington State search for a new home. 

Since talks around the ACC adding Cal and Stanford heated up, multiple reports have indicated opposition from Clemson, Florida State, N.C. State, and North Carolina. Any new additions would need 12 approvals from the conference’s 15 voting members, which includes Notre Dame, meaning the four ‘no’ votes would be enough to block new schools.

It is unclear the exact reasoning for the four schools’ opposition to adding Cal and Stanford. FSU has been vocal about its frustration with current ACC revenue — the conference’s media rights are bringing in $240 million annually, which will be fourth behind the Big 12, SEC, and Big Ten in 2025.

Will The Pac-12 Carry On?

Oregon State president Jayathi Murthy released a statement pleading for the four remaining Pac-12 schools to stick together, which in her mind would lead to the best result for all involved.

One option could be a merger of sorts with the Mountain West, which would raise the question of whether that conference could then be considered one of the Power Five. But sources tell Front Office Sports a major media rights revenue gap will continue to exist with the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and ACC no matter what.