The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is not only exploring the potential addition of Stanford and Cal, but it is also set to discuss the inclusion of SMU in its expansion plans, according to a source familiar with the conference’s discussions as reported by The Athletic. The possibility of adding these schools was the subject of meetings among ACC athletic directors and presidents.
While discussions about Stanford and Cal took place, no formal vote occurred. An additional meeting of ACC athletic directors was scheduled to further delve into the potential expansion.
SMU, currently a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) since 2013, has sought inclusion in a major power conference since the dissolution of the Southwest Conference in 1996. The school had been previously identified as a potential expansion target for the Pac-12 earlier this year. The Pac-12 commissioner visited SMU and engaged in discussions with school administrators during a basketball game.
The motivation behind the ACC’s exploration of these expansion targets lies in the pursuit of new revenue streams. While the conference has been relatively quiet on the realignment front compared to its counterparts, the current landscape has prompted a reevaluation of potential additions. This approach gains additional significance if any ACC members, such as Florida State, follow through on discussions of leaving the conference.
SMU’s aspirations for inclusion in a power conference have been evident since the moves made by Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC. The school has had conversations with various conferences, including the ACC, and engaged in public discussions with the Pac-12. SMU’s value proposition includes its potential to bring ACC Network carriage fees into Texas, its strong academic profile, and its financial resources. The school’s investments in facilities and its presence in the NIL market also contribute to its appeal.
While SMU may not have achieved the same level of national prominence as some of its counterparts, there is a belief that the school’s resources could significantly elevate its status within a power conference, potentially harking back to its successful “Pony Express” days in the 1980s.
