Report: ACC's discussions with Cal, Stanford much more substantive than with SMU

The ACC reportedly has some interest in a potential acquisition of Cal and Stanford from the Pac-12, as well as SMU from the AAC. But there are conflicting reports on how big a target SMU.

Ross Dellenger of Yahoo! Sports first reported SMU as an ACC acquisition target on Tuesday.

According to Dellenger, SMU was “in consideration” as the league reviewed financial models of all scenarios involving SMU and the two Pac-12 schools, whether that was adding the Pac-12 schools alone or adding all three.

But Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde posted an update Tuesday evening suggesting that his sources have “pumped the brakes on the Mustangs,” with things not that advanced there. At least, “Cal and Stanford discussions are further along and more substantive,” Forde reported.

Conference realignment has hit overdrive in the last two weeks.

Following Colorado‘s move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, a handful of other Pac-12 programs also followed suit. Arizona, Arizona State and Utah all made the jump officially late last week.

Meanwhile, Oregon and Washington have bolted the Pac-12 for the Big Ten, leaving just four teams in the current Pac-12.

Whether the Pac-12 is able to remain alive by pursuing other teams remains to be seen. A merger with the Mountain West has also been floated as a possible path forward for the four remaining Pac-12 programs: Cal and Stanford, as well as Oregon State and Washington State.

The ACC is looking to shore up its standing among the major conferences, knowing its television deal is going to lag the Big Ten and the SEC by a considerable amount. Worse, the ACC is locked into its deal for significantly longer than many other leagues.

So finding new ways to juice the revenue stream will be key. SMU would certainly add a new market.

Plenty of advantages work in SMU’s favor as the ACC takes them under consideration. They are located in Dallas, bringing a potential large media market to the conference. Rhett Lashlee has the Mustangs ready to compete as well, recruiting the area well and seemingly having a bright future.

However, the biggest reported draw is the financial implications of having SMU join. Dellenger says due to the backing of the alumni, SMU would be willing to skip a few years of distribution pay. The ACC would not have to pay the program out for several years on the current television contract.

“The university would arrive at a reduced rate,” Dellenger said. “Employing a rich donor base and a healthy desire to advance to the Power Four level, the university is open to forgoing conference distribution pay for their first several years in a new league. SMU officials held similar conversations with Pac-12 administrators.”

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this report.