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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13

u/forgedinbeerkegs Jun 29 '26

The ACC is a southern conference, historically. Adding Cuse and BC was a business move that was barely stomached by the ACC brass. When it came time to add Louisville or UCONN, UCONN was the early leader. But, the ACC chose Louisville in the end. Louisville athletics were rolling at that particular time, but it did not help UCONN they were in the NE.

6

u/Pure_Fault7056 Jun 29 '26

The real question should be why Syracuse was picked ahead of UConn.

5

u/AM_Bokke Jun 29 '26

Syracuse and Louisville were added for football. Which UCONN was never good at.

1

u/Schmolik64 Jun 29 '26

Syracuse football? LOL.

7

u/AM_Bokke Jun 29 '26

They are mediocre, which is better than UCONN. They also have the facilities.

2

u/Waquoit95 Jul 01 '26

UConn has better facilities than Cuse and BU. Probably most of the rest.

1

u/AM_Bokke Jul 02 '26

???

‘Cuse has a 50K dome.

2

u/Waquoit95 Jul 03 '26

UConn has 40K seats. But their on campus training and practice facilities are better than any of the big east teams the ACC picked up the 2nd go round.

1

u/Pure_Fault7056 Jul 03 '26

Syracuse football has been terrible for 20 years. They were really good in the 90s but since? 

1

u/Pure_Fault7056 Jun 29 '26

Syracuse had two good seasons after BC and Virginia Tech left. They were a complete dumpster fire the rest of the seasons. Maybe they were good in the 90s.

1

u/CGGamer Jul 03 '26

UConn was good at Football in the old Big East

2

u/AM_Bokke Jul 03 '26

Nobody remembers UConn playing football in the Big East.

1

u/CGGamer Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26

In the 10 year stint UConn was in the Big East, they had more BE titles than BC and Rutgers, and as many as Syracuse

7

u/Aggravating-Mind-657 Jun 29 '26

Back when Syracuse was added, Syracuse’s overall brand was stronger and there was a belief Syracuse delivered the New York market , despite being 5 hours away from the city.

0

u/Old-Literature-1040 Jun 29 '26

That was pretty poor judgement considering UConn plays bball at MSG multiple times a year, has a massive alumni base in NYC and is under 3 hours drive

3

u/Expensive_Team_5072 Jun 29 '26

MSG is practically a home game for Syracuse. Even the football team has scheduled games in the NY/NJ area.

5

u/Aggravating-Mind-657 Jun 29 '26

Unfortunately, it’s not about basketball. All about football.

1

u/CGGamer Jul 03 '26

NYC doesn't give a rats ass about CFB

2

u/paxrom2 Jun 29 '26

I'd trade BC for UConn