And if they were to depart from the ACC alongside these seven schools, then rumors are linking the University of Louisville to the Big 12, which would make the most sense with the options available. There have been rumors circulating among internet message boards that Louisville intends to join the group of seven, but it has not been confirmed. Yet again, they would be in a scenario like they’ve been before where they are on the outside looking in and needing to realign in another conference. In Louisville’s case, that news was nerve-wracking because if the ACC lost these seven schools, then the ACC would be in shambles and Louisville would be in an incredibly tough situation. Those seven schools are Clemson, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Per reports, the meeting got heated between a couple of athletic directors, but the main storyline that emerged from the Sunshine State is the identification of the “Secret Seven” schools who are seeking a possible exit strategy from the ACC.

All of that is a backdrop heading into the ACC spring meeting in Amelia Island, Florida. And that number is three times the amount that each school receives annually. In the 2016 contract, per a report, the estimated penalty for a school leaving the ACC is an estimated $120 million dollars of financial penalties, in other words, a “buyout” of their share of the contract. So, the main two reasons for the renegotiation were because ESPN introduced the ACC Network and to protect the ACC from losing its schools. The 2013 deal did not include that kind of language. The 2016 renegotiation was massive for the ACC because it covered the member schools from leaving the ACC to join competing conferences. The total value of the ACC contract is $400 million dollar annually with each of the 15 member schools receiving between $35 and $38 million dollars per season. The reason this is unfortunate is that revenue will only continue to go up, inflation will most likely continue to go up, and there is no chance to reset the market with astronomical deals. Unfortunately, the ACC renegotiated the deal in 2016, particularly surrounding the launch of the ACC Network, and extended the contract through 2036. One year prior to Louisville joining the ACC, the ACC Commissioner agreed to a deal, in what is known as the Grant of Rights Agreement, with ESPN that would run through the 2026-2027 season.

They continue to be bounced around like a pinball from conference to conference, and it appears that scenario could very well happen again in the foreseeable future. The Louisville athletic program has been the red-headed step-child in conference realignment.

In 2012, the Big East disintegrated and forced Louisville to join the American Athletic Conference, a Group of Five Conference that is still considered Division I. Louisville originally accepted an offer to join the ACC in 2012 as they were in conference limbo. The University of Louisville has been a part of the Atlantic Coast Conference since 2014.

2023 ncaa conference realignment