UVA could not join another athletic conference without the blessing of the Virginia Legislature if they were opposed. The University of Virginia is a public institution, and the Virginia Legislature has the authority to regulate its activities. This includes the authority to approve or disapprove of any changes to the university's athletic conference affiliation. In 2011, the Virginia Legislature passed a law that requires public universities in Virginia to obtain the approval of the legislature before joining a new athletic conference. This law was passed in response to concerns about the potential financial impact of conference realignment on public universities. If the Virginia Legislature were to oppose UVA's decision to join another athletic conference, the university would be legally prohibited from doing so. The university could appeal the legislature's decision to the courts, but it is unlikely that the courts would overturn the legislature's decision. In addition to the legal implications, UVA would also face significant political pressure if it were to join another athletic conference without the blessing of the Virginia Legislature. The legislature could withhold funding from the university, and it could also pass legislation that would make it more difficult for the university to operate. For these reasons, it is highly unlikely that UVA would join another athletic conference without the blessing of the Virginia Legislature. ** Edited by jdkhokie at 5/24/2023, 6:39:14 PM