I think if they joined it would bode well for the ACC, but hoping isn't going to get it done because ND isn't going to join a conference for 3rd tier money. When NBC no longer provides a sufficient contract, they will pack their bags for the last time and join the B1X, but that isn't going to happen through their next contract...and beyond. They have access to the new playoff, which will definitely help them maintain their independence. Betting on ND being a future ACC "full" member is a fools game. ESPN isn't going to fund the ACC at the SEC level due to the amount of "dead wood" in the conference. ESPN and Fox are paying for football (and BB to a lesser extent), not non-revenue sports or academics. They don't give a crap how many soccer or LAX championships a school generates if they are playing in a 35K football stadium with 50% attendance. Speaking of basketball, one has to wonder how long the P4.4 will allow the NCAA to control their basketball income. Have a feeling once P2 conference expansion stabilizes, they may move to hold onto that money.