Is Stanford Leaving The Pac 12? Is Stanford Going To The ACC?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 11, 2023
Is Stanford Leaving The Pac 12?
Stanford University is currently exploring its options for conference realignment amidst the shifting landscape of collegiate sports. The Pac-12 conference has experienced changes with UCLA and USC's plans to move to the Big Ten by 2024. While discussions surround Stanford's potential move to the Big Ten or the ACC, no definitive choice has been reached.
In June 2023, Stanford's President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Athletic Director Bernard Muir issued a statement affirming the university's exploration of various paths for its future conference affiliation. Their priority is to align with a conference that matches both academic and athletic goals.
Both the Big Ten and ACC express interest in bringing Stanford on board. The Big Ten seeks to expand its West Coast presence, while the ACC aims to bolster its academic reputation. However, adding Stanford would necessitate adjustments within these conferences, possibly involving other teams.
There's also the possibility that Stanford might opt to remain within the Pac-12. While the Pac-12 still exists, it faces challenges in the wake of UCLA and USC's departure. Stanford must weigh the financial advantages of joining a more influential conference against the academic advantages of staying in the Pac-12. The university must also consider the impact on its student-athletes and alumni.
In the upcoming months, Stanford is expected to make a decision about its conference affiliation. This choice must be made promptly to allow ample time for negotiating a new conference contract. The intricate balance of financial, academic, and athletic considerations will ultimately shape Stanford's path forward.
Is Stanford Going To The ACC?
The NCAA's summer spotlight is firmly on conference realignment, with various college programs making significant shifts and alliances in the collegiate landscape. Amidst this dynamic, the Mountain West isn't the sole conference eyeing additions from the remaining Pac-12 teams. The AAC is also contemplating the inclusion of Stanford, Cal, Oregon State, and Washington State in its ranks.
The AAC has been proactive in recent conference realignments, experiencing both departures and arrivals. While three schools exited for the Big 12, six Conference USA institutions joined the AAC, balancing the equation.
Should the AAC absorb the remaining Pac-12 members, it would swell to 18 institutions, making it as extensive as the Big Ten in terms of member count. The conference's geographical reach would expand to the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest, enlisting teams from 12 different states.
Initial reports suggested Notre Dame was advocating for the ACC to admit Cal and Stanford, yet pushback from several university presidents stalled their potential inclusion.
Although in the early stages, the ACC is indeed exploring the addition of both Stanford and Cal, as reported by Thamel. The ACC presidents convened to assess the possibility, refraining from an immediate decision as they continue their evaluation.
Thamel indicates that the choice remains intricate for ACC presidents. While Stanford and Cal possess academic prestige, concerns arise over their impact on revenue, according to several ACC presidents. The complex equation involves travel expenses and revenue-sharing adjustments.
The ACC isn't the sole option for Stanford and the remaining Pac-12 schools. Other conferences, including the Big 12, are reportedly in discussions with Stanford for potential inclusion. Although the ACC's acronym denotes the Atlantic Coast Conference, geographical considerations have proven malleable in prior realignments.
Interestingly, the Big 12 isn't considering the addition of Stanford or any other remaining Pac-12 schools, according to Brett McMurphy of Action Network. In this era of conference shifts, the landscape is fluid, reflecting the evolution of college sports alliances.
What is The Pac-12 Conference?
The Pac-12 Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that operates in the western United States. The conference was founded in 1915 as the Pacific Coast Conference and has undergone several name changes over the years before being renamed the Pac-12 in 2011. The conference is made up of twelve member universities, including Stanford, USC, UCLA, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington, among others.
The Pac-12 Conference sponsors competition in a wide variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more. The conference is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and successful in collegiate athletics, with numerous national championships and All-American athletes to its credit.
In addition to athletic competition, the Pac-12 Conference is also involved in various academic and community initiatives. The conference promotes academic excellence among its member universities and student-athletes and is committed to supporting local communities through various outreach efforts.
Despite its many successes, the Pac-12 Conference has faced some challenges in recent years, including declining revenues and television ratings. The conference has also faced criticism for its handling of certain issues, such as player compensation and the scheduling of games.
The Pac-12 Conference remains an important and influential force in collegiate athletics, and its member universities and student-athletes continue to make significant contributions both on and off the field.
Is Stanford Leaving The Pac 12 - FAQs
Yes, Stanford is currently exploring its options for conference realignment.
The Pac-12 has experienced changes with UCLA and USC announcing their intention to leave for the Big Ten, prompting Stanford to assess its options.
Stanford has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Big Ten or the ACC, but no decision has been made yet.
In June 2023, Stanford's President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Athletic Director Bernard Muir stated that the university was exploring options that align with its academic and athletic aspirations.
The Big Ten is interested in expanding its West Coast footprint, while the ACC values Stanford's academic prestige.