When does Stanford join ACC? Taking a closer look at all teams joining Atlantic Coast in 2024

The Stanford Cardinal will officially join the ACC on Aug. 2. While they join the same day as Cal, SMU became a member on Jul. 1.

Stanford and Cal joined the ACC after the Pac-12 collapse, but the schools had to take a reduced media rights revenue share of around 30% to join the conference as that enticed the rest of the conference to vote to allow them in.

"Joining the ACC also provides the Power Conference competitive infrastructure and long-term media revenues that are critical for our student-athletes to compete.

"Conference affiliations and the broadcast revenue they generate provide key financial support for the wide array of sports that Stanford offers, and joining the ACC will ensure national exposure through the ACCʼs TV partners and competition with leading national universities," Stanford said in a statement.

In Stanford's first year in the ACC, the Cardinal will have notable football games against Clemson, SMU, Syracuse, Cal, NC State and Louisville, among others.

The Cardinal is not expected to be very good in 2024, as Stanford has the worst odds to win the ACC at +40000, which implies a 0.2% chance of winning the conference.

ACC commissioner excited about additions of Stanford, Cal and SMU

With FSU and Clemson suing the ACC in hopes of leaving the conference, the conference added Cal, Stanford and SMU as protection for their media rights deal.

Moreover, the schools help the conference get into Texas and California, which is exciting for ACC commissioner Jim Phillips.

“This summer marks a momentous occasion for the ACC with the addition of three prestigious institutions – Cal, SMU, and Stanford,” said ACC commissioner Jim Phillips in a statement.

“Since our announcement last September, the conference has been diligently preparing to become an 18-member league that spans from coast to coast. We look forward to the future of this incredible league and extend a warm welcome to the student-athletes, coaches, staff, campus communities, alumni, and supporters of Cal, SMU, and Stanford into the ACC."

The schools will also boost the ACC's academic profile.