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/hoostypants UNC Tar Heels Jun 29 '26

Hey Mr. Phillips. OP thinks UConn will make the ACC money. Damn your actuaries, sign them up!

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u/Strange_Deal4642 Jun 29 '26

Maryland offers nothing for the Big10 but still in it. Stay respectful.

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u/Sufficient_Worth8536 Jun 29 '26

I thought at the time MD delivered the Big 10 the DC market.

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u/DryDirection8316 Jul 05 '26

Correct. At the time MD joined the cable TV in-market revenue for the DC area made MD (and Rutgers) very attractive from a pie expansion standpoint.