ACC Expansion Talks Stalled as Cal and Stanford Face Roadblocks

The pursuit of Cal and Stanford joining the ACC has encountered significant roadblocks, according to sources. While talks about expansion continue among ACC presidents, the financial value add of the schools remains a concern, as the conference faces a potential revenue gap with the SEC and Big Ten. SMU's potential addition to the ACC is also not progressing. Notre Dame, a member of the ACC in all sports except football, has been pushing for the inclusion of Cal and Stanford due to their academic and brand value. However, there is skepticism about Notre Dame's influence as they remain committed to independence. The ACC presidents did not have enough consensus to vote on the matter, with the potential of programs leaving causing uncertainty about the future of the conference.