Half of Pac-4 going to ACC remains a ‘legitimate possibility’: Report

Half of the Pac-4 going to the ACC — specifically the California-based teams, Stanford and Cal — remains a “legitimate possibility” along with SMU according to an August 27 report from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.

“ACC expansion discussions are intensifying as conference leaders continue to consider the acquisition of Stanford, Cal and SMU, multiple sources tell Yahoo Sports,” Dellenger wrote. “Believed to be a long shot just days ago, expansion remains a legitimate possibility as new financial models have been socialized with league administrators. The models show a financial boon of roughly $72 million in annual additional revenue for the conference, sources tell Yahoo Sports.” According to Dellenger, SMU is willing to make a massive financial sacrifice to facilitate the conference realignment.

“Two of the three expansion targets, Stanford, the bell-cow of the group, and Cal, are proposing to take a significantly reduced revenue distribution for multiple years, starting at about 30%,” Dellenger reported. “SMU is proposing to take no distribution for as many as seven years, something Yahoo Sports reported more than a week ago. Options range from adding all three, adding only Stanford and Cal, adding only SMU or adding none of them.”

Prior reporting had the Big 12 moving in on all Pac-4 teams

Prior reporting from Jim Williams on the Pac-4 had the Big 12 being the landing spot for all of Cal, Stanford, Oregon State, and Wazzu.

“Multiple reports have the Big 12 conference showing interest in Stanford, Cal, Oregon State and Washington State,” Williams reported. “Reports have Stanford telling the ACC they need an answer this week.”

The ACC is an interesting conference for these schools to land with considering multiple programs, the “Magnificent Seven” if you will, looked to escape themselves. It seems we are in for many more years of conference realignment, with no end in sight considering the television rights stakes involved.