Is it time?

There is an old saying…

“If you continue doing the same thing, you should expect to get the same result.”

That’s the situation the Atlantic Coast Conference is in right now.

Over the past decade, the ACC has fallen further and further behind the SEC and Big Ten in stature and revenue. If the situation doesn’t change by the time the current media rights agreements run out in the early 2030s, the ACC may no longer be viable as a major athletic conference.

Looming large is the status of Florida State and Clemson, who are both rumored to be already jockeying for admission to the “Super 2” conferences.

However, there may be an opportunity for the ACC to remedy the situation with a bold move that may present itself in the near future.

The Big Ten has seriously been negotiating a huge venture capital deal that would result in the infusion of billions of dollars into the conference. In fact, there are reports recently that the deal is close to being done. One hitch though. Two prominent members of the conference are strongly opposed to the deal, Michigan and USC. So much so, they are publicly considering withdraw from the conference. The popular perception is they would join the SEC.

Hold on! Pump the brakes!

Here is an alternate scenario to consider. It’s based on no inside information but the possibility is intriguing.

What if…

…the ACC offers admission to Michigan, USC and Notre Dame. Assuming such a move keeps FSU and Clemson in the fold, this bold move would vault the ACC to a 20-school conference with two divisions of 10 schools, playing a 9-game regular season schedule with a championship game. A championship settled on the field of play!

A novel concept!

Of course, the revenue split would have to be worked out, but the lineup of brands would be very attractive with Notre Dame, Michigan, USC, Miami, Clemson and FSU headlining their football product. Can you say NBC/Peacock?

Should Notre Dame decide to remain independent, the ACC could reach out to UConn to strengthen the basketball programs and their presence in the populated Northeast.

BOTTOM LINE:

The ACC must change or recede to second class status in college athletics. It will require bold leadership in this critical time.

GO CANES!