Stanford and California’s candidacy for admission to the Atlantic Coast Conference has stalled one vote short, sources familiar with the process tell Sports Illustrated. While league members have stopped short of declaring that the Bay Area schools’ addition to the league is off the table, it doesn’t appear likely that the results will change.
The two members of the disintegrating Pac-12 need 12 of the 15 members of the ACC to support their move. Four schools stood opposed when the issue was discussed Wednesday night, sources say: Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina and North Carolina State. Lacking the requisite numbers, sources say it is unlikely that the potential expansion of the league will be put to a formal vote.
Sources described ACC members Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Louisville as among the most vocal in advocating for the Cardinal and Golden Bears to join the league. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has been leading the discussion, presenting financial and scheduling scenarios to the league members.
