The Atlantic Coast Conference has welcomed its first new schools in 10 years, adding California, Southern Methodist and Stanford for the 2024-25 school year. With Clemson and Florida State suing the ACC in court, should the conference be more proactive about expansion?
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reported Friday, “Sources: UConn and Big 12 in serious talks about Huskies joining as newest expansion member.” Miami has a shared history with Connecticut in the Big East. Connecticut and Miami have not played football, but have a long basketball history.
The ACC has not lost a team since charter member Maryland moved to the Big 10 in 2014. Lousville joined the ACC when Maryland left. Notre Dane, Pittsburgh and Syracuse joined the ACC in 2013 in the most recent wave of expansion up to this year. Miami and Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, Boston College in 2005.
With Clemson and/or Florida State likely to leave the ACC in the future, the conference must be proactive to avoid a similar fate to the Pac 12 last year. One obstacle to Connecticut’s inclusion could be the approval of Boston College.
According to sources, the Big 12 and UConn are in talks about the Huskies joining the Big 12 in football in 2031 and all other sports in 2026, subject to approval by the Big 12 president @ActionNetwork. In addition to UConn, ACC teams — if they can leave the ACC — are also on the Big 12’s radar, sources said https://t.co/bkUYsaF6lh
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) 24 August 2024
\Admitting Connecticut would eliminate Boston College’s advantage as the only ACC team in New England. It would increase travel opportunities for Boston College in non-revenue sports and revive a rivalry within the regional conference. Boston College and UConn are about 80 miles apart.
Miami got creative to protect its current members, adding California, SMU and Stanford. Dellenger went into detail about possible financial arrangements and specifications for UConn joining the Big XII. UConn would not join the Big XII in football until 2031. The Big XII’s television contract expires in 2031.
Next. How B1G and the expansion of the Big XII will affect the Miami Hurricanes. How B1G and the expansion of the Big XII will affect the Miami Hurricanes. dark
The ACC’s TV contract with ESPN runs through 2036. UConn would have to meet certain financial goals, particularly in football, to become a full member of the Big XII. The ACC could reach a similar agreement with UConn. The ACC and other major conferences are likely not done with expansion in general or specifically.
