From a business standpoint this is simple; either you're growing or you're dying...the ACC has to go on the offensive immediately. That clock started ticking after the latest contract put them in last place (5th) from an income standpoint.
While everyone is targeting ND, I think this is a pipe dream. If the B1G can't get them to commit then nobody is going to get them. If I am Swofford, my eye is on one team...Baylor. I know that sounds crazy, but think about it. From an academic standpoint, they are a perfect match for the ACC. For the same reason that (4) teams wanted out of the Big 12 (Longhorn Network) 8 months ago, the ACC offers this same opportunity to Baylor. Baylor will ALWAYS be under the shadow of Texas unless they leave the Big 12 like A&M did.
The best point I have heard thus far is that there is only one conference where teams are still willing to leave that conference (not counting ACC/Big East) - the Big12. This is due to the Longhorn Network.
To make this an even 16, I do not go after ND/UConn/Rutgers etc. I add Houston. It gives Baylor a partner and it puts further pressure on the Big12 with 2 ACC teams in its backyard.
How does this get accomplished? If 6 teams left the ACC tomorrow, there is no way that the current contract would go as is. It would be restructured. The same is the case if the ACC expands to 16. This would easily put revenue per team at north of $20 million by adding the Houston and Waco, TX markets.
If I am Swofford, you must go on the offensive NOW. Explain to current members (looking at you FSU) that I am finding the best candidates to expand to 16 today, screw ND, and get on phone with Baylor.
While everyone is targeting ND, I think this is a pipe dream. If the B1G can't get them to commit then nobody is going to get them. If I am Swofford, my eye is on one team...Baylor. I know that sounds crazy, but think about it. From an academic standpoint, they are a perfect match for the ACC. For the same reason that (4) teams wanted out of the Big 12 (Longhorn Network) 8 months ago, the ACC offers this same opportunity to Baylor. Baylor will ALWAYS be under the shadow of Texas unless they leave the Big 12 like A&M did.
The best point I have heard thus far is that there is only one conference where teams are still willing to leave that conference (not counting ACC/Big East) - the Big12. This is due to the Longhorn Network.
To make this an even 16, I do not go after ND/UConn/Rutgers etc. I add Houston. It gives Baylor a partner and it puts further pressure on the Big12 with 2 ACC teams in its backyard.
How does this get accomplished? If 6 teams left the ACC tomorrow, there is no way that the current contract would go as is. It would be restructured. The same is the case if the ACC expands to 16. This would easily put revenue per team at north of $20 million by adding the Houston and Waco, TX markets.
If I am Swofford, you must go on the offensive NOW. Explain to current members (looking at you FSU) that I am finding the best candidates to expand to 16 today, screw ND, and get on phone with Baylor.