Home / Sports / Notre Dame Resists Big Ten's Superconference Ambitions
Notre Dame Resists Big Ten's Superconference Ambitions
27 Aug
Summary
- Notre Dame remains committed to football independence despite Big Ten expansion
- Big Ten plans to grow to 20 teams by 2030, eyeing brands like North Carolina and Miami
- Notre Dame's national brand and lucrative TV deal make it a prime Big Ten target
According to the article, the Notre Dame football program is determined to maintain its independence, even as the Big Ten conference continues to expand and become a "superconference."
In the past, the Big Ten has been seen as the most logical landing spot for Notre Dame if it were to join a conference. Many of the Irish's oldest rivals, such as Purdue, Michigan State, Michigan, and Northwestern, are all part of the Big Ten. However, Notre Dame has remained content with its current status, relying on the national brand it has built over the 20th century and its lucrative broadcasting deal with NBC.
The article notes that the Big Ten's expansion plans are a key reason this topic is resurfacing. Maryland's athletic director recently stated that the conference will have 20 teams by the end of the decade. The Big Ten currently has 18 teams after adding USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon from the Pac-12. While Notre Dame's addition would not provide any major geographic or television market advantages, the Irish are one of the biggest and most historic brands in college football, making them an attractive target for the Big Ten's superconference ambitions.
If the Big Ten does reach 20 teams, the article suggests the conference may look to the ACC for potential expansion, with schools like North Carolina, Virginia, Miami, and Georgia Tech as plausible candidates to join.
