Cal, Stanford reportedly don't have ACC votes needed for an invite yet, but are they coming?
Although there were some reports that the ACC might be on the verge of inviting the California Golden Bears and Stanford Cardinal, those efforts still have not led to a vote.
There had been some speculation this weekend that after initial blocks, Cal and Stanford might be close to an ACC invite. As of this point, there is still twisting in the wind.
One of Cal’s NIL directors, Greg Richardson, released this public comment that contained a note of optimism, tinged with many conditionals that will change the Cal Athletic Department forever.
Tuesday the 22nd looms as the day when the ACC may make an official vote.
The economics are continuing to be negotiated. However, the Tweets and rumors that Stanford or anyone else will be taking no revenue are patently false. That's not to say that Cal and Stanford will get an equal share in year one as the discussion of what that number will be is likely what's holding up the proceedings at this point. When that is finalized, expect to it be far closer to an equal share than zero. And very likely a plan to get to equality in the not-too-distant future (similar to the UCLA, USC, UW, and OU deals with the B10).
Meanwhile, Cal will continue to have internal discussions about its forward-looking budget which at this point almost certainly requires material cuts to the existing supported sports programs.
However, no meeting did occur on Tuesday, as Brian Murphy of WRAL reported:
ACC presidents' regularly scheduled call today was canceled (not an unusual occurrence). Carry on.
Brandon Marcello of 247Sports later reported it was because the votes had not been whipped from the conference members to invite the Bears and the Cardinal.
The ACC still does not have the votes to add Cal and Stanford, sources told @247Sports Tuesday afternoon. There was a regular meeting of the presidents scheduled for Tuesday, but it was canceled.
So we’re in the position we were last week.
We continue to hear that things are on track for Cal and Stanford to be admitted to the ACC. Our understanding is that tomorrow is the day though from past experience, I can imagine that slipping a day or two.
The good news is that a vote hasn’t been convened that led to a “NO”, which would end all discussion. The bad news is it’s been a week since the initial discussions and it seems the “no” votes that are against Cal and Stanford joining are still potentially holding firm.
For those new to the discussion, the “no” vote included Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina and NC State. Florida State and Clemson are the strongest opposition and aren’t likely to be swayed. They have expressed discontent at the state of the ACC media deal and hope to break out of the conference way before the end of 2036. Adding Cal and Stanford would make that much harder.
The North Carolina votes are the swing opposition, and the ones Cal and Stanford likely have to court to get in.
North Carolina is seen as the old power of the ACC that also believes they have a Big Ten/SEC spot in the future. They have proven to be a curmudgeonly bunch, as women’s soccer coach Anson Dorrance expressed his fear to compete yesterday.
"We've built the best women's soccer conference and there's no way I want to share the glory of our conference with two schools that do a very good job of recruiting against us," Dorrance told WRAL.
"So basically, I want Cal and Stanford to die on the vine.”
NC State has generally voted in tandem with North Carolina; unlike UCLA with Cal, they do like to work together as a unit of public universities.
If the votes require more swaying, this could mean Cal might have to concede even more in negotiations, particularly when it comes to revenue share, which could mean even more dire results for the potential downsizing of the athletic department.
But at this point if the Big Ten isn’t offering and the Big 12 remains unpalatable, an ACC offer is what’s there to keep Cal in the game.
The behind closed doors negotiations (and under the table dealing) must be both fascinating and greasy.
Relax everyone, Carol's on it, Jim too. They've assured us in their own words, they're not just idly standing by, of course not. Plus, the Drake has his all-seeing, duck-eye on them. And, what about the regents, including the Big Guy, the guv; do you think those worthy sages are not in the know? C'mon, this one's in the bag. Tell all those worrywarts out there that I said to stand down. It's a done deal or my name's not Alfred E. Neuman!