ACC continues expansion talks, SMU awaiting decision

SMU is playing the waiting game for ACC expansion as is Cal and Stanford. Where do things stand as the weekend approaches?

Sources both inside and outside of SMU are gaining more and more confidence that expansion will happen, likely with all three schools being invited to join.

Still, the whole deal is predicated on the vote by presidents happening. There’s enough buzz that the models presented are sufficient to satisfy the needs of the members who were holding back on expansion.

When could the formal decision come down from presidents? Sources are torn on that. Some say it could happen sooner than Monday, but most sources I trust have indicated that Monday would be the decision day for the league.

The money in front of the ACC is not life-changing for most of these athletic departments, but it is enough to move the needle and push things through, sources are indicating. The unequal revenue sharing models are being worked out by the league, which as those near a point where they could be finalized, does need the signing off from ESPN.

For the league to bolster its long-term stability, it needs to add schools and bring in money. While ESPN is working out ways to find more revenue daily, we’d be surprised to see them turn down a conference’s wishes to expand and stabilize.

On SMU’s side of things, it appears that it’s only a matter of when, at this stage, an invitation comes. As far as what could throw it off that track, I’m not entirely sure. Barring a shift in the room from ACC presidents who appear to be on the same page more and more by the day, expansion will happen and include the trio.

What’s next for SMU would be securing an early departure from the AAC, which the league would welcome added revenue into its pocket from the school. That’d put the Mustangs in the ACC by 2024.

All of this is where we consider things to stand for the trio of programs, but what’s left to be revealed is when a final decision is handed down. It could come at any point, really.

The ACC needs 12 votes to pass this, which sources say is expected, at this stage. Right now, it’s in that precarious of spot between serious momentum and the waiting game. Based on numerous conversations over the past 24 hours, I’d be surprised to see this momentum fade.

We’ll keep an eye out… as is SMU.

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