Utah denies report that it would potentially leave Big 12 for ACC

A football sits on the tee as kickers get warmed up as the Utes and Trojans prepare to play at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Over the weekend, veteran New York Daily News sportswriter Dick Weiss started up a realignment debate by posting on X about a possible move to the ACC by the University of Utah.

“Speculation is circulating about potential shifts in college sports conferences. There is discussion about Utah possibly moving to the ACC despite its recent move to the Big 12, with some suggesting the ACC might be a better fit due to its ESPN network agreement and potential for increased TV value. However, skepticism exists regarding the stability and attractiveness of the ACC compared to the Big 12,” Weiss wrote.

Speculation is circulating about potential shifts in college sports conferences. There is discussion about Utah possibly moving to the ACC despite its recent move to the Big 12, with some suggesting the ACC might be a better fit due to its ESPN network agreement and potential for…

— Dick Weiss (@HoopsWeiss) May 26, 2024

The idea that the Utes would renege on their commitment to the Big 12 and join the ACC always seemed far-fetched, especially when you consider the state of the two leagues.

Florida State and Clemson are suing the ACC over the league’s media rights deal — the ACC’s current media rights deal with ESPN runs through 2036 — and conference exit fee.

Going from a stable conference in the Big 12 to a conference where two of the top brands are looking to exit would be a definite step backward, especially since the Big 12′s media rights deal is on par with the ACC’s — Utah wouldn’t gain more money by joining the ACC.

On Tuesday afternoon, Utah responded with a statement to reporter Brett McMurphy, denying any…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/utah-denies-report-potentially-leave-192242360.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-05-28 19:22:42

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