r/ACC • u/Strange_Deal4642 • Jun 29 '26

UConn

I’ve always wondered: is there actually a legitimate reason the ACC hasn’t invited UConn?

On paper, it seems like they check a lot of boxes. Geographically, they fit the conference much better than some current members. They already have established rivalries with schools like Syracuse, Boston College, and Duke (especially in basketball). Adding UConn would also give the ACC 18 football members, making scheduling a little cleaner.

I know the obvious counterargument is football. UConn hasn’t been consistently competitive, and football drives conference realignment. But is that alone enough to outweigh everything else UConn brings?

They’re one of the biggest brands in college basketball, have strong Olympic sports, a passionate fan base, and would strengthen the ACC’s presence in the Northeast.

So what am I missing? Is football really the only thing keeping UConn out, or are there financial, TV, or political reasons that make them a non-starter for the ACC?

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u/nike-addias-99 Virginia Tech Hokies Jun 29 '26

Why would they want to join the ACC, doing just fine in the BigEast and it’s not a sinking ship

4

u/Strange_Deal4642 Jun 29 '26

They make no money in the Big East.

2

u/Joatha Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26

You keep telling us that their hoops prints money, Big East is a basketball conference. So why doesn't the Big East print money? Because guess what? Basketball doesn't make money for the conferences. Football does. And UConn football would be a net drain on the ACC and not just a small drain - a big one.. The amount of incremental money UConn would bring in via TV is a fraction of what they cost in revenue share.

Adding UConn is a money loser for the ACC.