Big 12 expansion: Will ACC’s $572 million worth-conference realignment aid Brett Yormark’s ‘No.1’ ambition?

The Big 12 Conference has consistently been one of the top conferences in the country. During the 2024 Big 12 Media Days, Commissioner Brett Yormark said that the conference will not stop until it is the number one conference in the United States but could the Atlantic Coast Conference get them to that point?

From proposing a merger with Pac-12 Conference in 2021, to competing with the Big Ten and SEC for new schools, there have been many positive developments. One of the biggest stories this college football offseason has been the financial health of the Atlantic Coast Conference and its $572 million exit fee through its Grant of Rights.

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How the Big 12 can use the ACC to become the top conference

The Big 12 Conference has continued to make the climb as it attempts to become the top conference in collegiate sports. The Atlantic Coast Conference has been on the brink of collapse and if the Big 12 could get the Clemson Tigers and the Florida State Seminoles to join their conference, it would give Brett Yormark's league an additional boost on top of the progress they have made.

Moreover, targeting additional programs from the ACC would further improve their standing against other major conferences.

This would also help them narrow the gap with SEC, as they are beginning to get some market share in the southeastern portion of the United States, known for its dominant and passionate fans in college sports.

This also would be a chance to acquire some top programs from a struggling conference away from either the SEC or the Big Ten to poach for themselves. Other ACC schools would likely also be interested in joining them as they continue to improve.

If they can continue to get schools like the Kansas Jayhawks or the Duke Blue Devils, known for their dominance on the hardwood, that would continue to close the gap.