ACC Expands with Stanford, Cal, and SMU: Conference Presidents Approve 18-School Expansion

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has voted to invite Stanford, Cal, and SMU, expanding the league to 18 members, with 17 playing football full time. The additions will begin in the 2024-25 school year and are aimed at increasing revenue and strengthening the conference. The move comes after a month of drama and uncertainty, with NC State ultimately flipping its vote to secure a 12-3 majority. The ACC's expansion reflects the changing landscape of collegiate sports, with other conferences also growing in size. The addition of Cal, Stanford, and SMU will create a shared revenue pool, benefiting all ACC members. The move provides financial relief for Stanford and Cal, which were left in a precarious position due to the Pac-12's recent losses. SMU's decision to forgo television revenue allows it to join a major conference and rely on its boosters until revenue starts coming in. The ACC's expansion highlights the divisions within the conference and the ongoing concerns about revenue disparities compared to other conferences.