Per FSU Money Perch: FSU, Clemson, UNC and VT have gotten an alert from SEC
From the Greg Flugaur show this weekend. One of his sources, this one from FSU (apparently a well connected booster), had this to say about the Protect College Sports Act. There is concern that if the bill is enacted, it will basically lock in the SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big XII to their current membership. Consequently, if the bill nears passage, schools and the P4 will need to act quickly to get where they would like to go before the law goes into effect.
To summarize, the bill is in the Senate right now. If it passes, it will also need to get through the House, then to conference committee, then on to the president for signature into law. This might take awhile, but co-sponsors of the bill want it done this summer.
This is where the "FSU Money Perch" comes in, so take it for what it's worth. He said that FSU, Clemson, UNC and VT have been given an alert from the SEC that if the bill comes to the Senate floor for a vote, that they should be ready to act quickly on an invite.
I listened to the show so you don't have to. But I cued the YouTube video to the point where the host is reading the part from the FSU source about Virginia Tech. Link below.
Anyway, I will just post this without commentary at this point.
Link:
VT to SEC?
56 Replies
H
HouClone
1mo
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
You've got to have leverage, and politicians don't have the leverage in this case. If the SEC only wants UNC, who has the leverage in that situation, North Carolina politicians or the SEC. Who needs who more? Would UNC actually turn down an invite to the SEC? What politician would want to be responsible for UNC being left out of the P2. Same situation with UVA and Virginia Tech. If you can get either school from your state into the P2 You do it. But when schools are practically begging to get into the P2, then the school or state politicians are not in position of power. It's the P2 that's in position of power.
This is a totally different situation than when UVA helped get VT into the ACC. Politicians had an impact then because UVA was already in the ACC. I don't think the SEC is going to be strong-armed by politicians into taking two schools from one state if they don't want to. The SEC is in the driver seat here. The politicians will back down if the SEC stands their ground. Voters would revolt if they didn't. Unless the Big 10 is willing to offer both schools, North Carolina simply has no other options. And I don't see the Big 10 taking both schools.
** Edited by wwhokie1 at 7/2/2026, 1:56:06 PM
(In response to this post by HouClone)
3w
While these are great games for the fans of the respective schools, does the game do anything on the national radar? Or does it just get lost with the several dozen rivalries available to viewers that weekend? I actually think the UVa-VT game is better than the UNC-NCSU game, but I doubt the the B1G or SEC is sitting there saying, "Yeah. We HAVE to gave the Commonwealth Cup."
When I think of these mega conferences, when do they realize that at some point, they are competing with themselves? There are only so many time slots where people will be watching football in big viewership numbers. And does simply adding one decent state justify taking TWO teams from said state? Probably not.
Good post. I pretty much agree with you.
(In response to this post by wwhokie1)
1mo
1. Just because invites are imminent, doesn't mean they will be or can be accepted (specially for VT and UNC).
2. A short while ago the VA government was saying that VT and UVa were a package deal. The status quo thinking at the time was that this pronouncement was to protect Virginia Tech. I said at the time that I didn't like this because if UVa could make the P2 on their own merits, I didn't want to hold them back. But I was also thinking that VT had a shot to get an invite on our own as well; I wasn't going to sell us short. And if the shoe was indeed on the other foot, I wouldn't want UVa to hold us back either. So, here we are.
3. I'm not convinced that UVa doesn't have a back pocket invite to the B1G at this time.
4. I always thought that the most likely scenario for VT to get a P2 invite was for UVa to get a B1G invite, and for VT to go to the SEC. I also think that VT could be a good fit for the B1G as well, but I am not sure the B1G sees it that way.
(In response to this post by HouClone)
T
TDVick
1mo
say but UVA's money and academics, plus the fact that they aren't that good at football makes them a slightly more desirable acquisition than VT. If we can't go somewhere together, then shoe-horning VT into the SEC rather than UVA taking that slot an potentially leaving us out of P2 is preferable.
That's my take. UNC has a LOT of clout and they prefer to join the SEC with UVA, but the State of Virginia won't allow that. UVa probably has a solid spot in either conference. We might not, so this is the horse trade that is made.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
just because UNC does it. They will go their own way. And that way might be with UNC, or it might not.
(In response to this post by TDVick)
T
TDVick
1mo
sure VT gets a spot. UVA might want to go SEC with UNC, but they won't be "allowed." The VA and NC pols probably have an understanding - no matter which party they are, it behooves them to collaborate.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
T
TDVick
1mo
than adding us both now. The existing baseline numbers would be the same or better (assuming we added more value than Missouri). Bringing in UVA and UNC would be attractive. Now, since Missouri is already in there, adding VT, UNC and UNC looks a bit more redundant. Our pro forma as an existing member would look a lot better than our current status.
This situation was screwed up on so many dimensions.
Basically Missouri was filler to match with A&M, nevertheless they took a slice of the pie.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
S
Stech
1mo
I know ND Indy forever, but the money difference could just be too big for them to stay semi-independent. Not to mention the unbelievable schedule they could play each year in a coast to coast conference.
PS Virginia Tech and University of Virginia need to keep playing each other in common sports, the added energy from it being a conference rivalry game could actually help bring even more energy like it did during the Big East vs ACC days.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
Bless these guys for being able to monetize their Twitter and Youtube accounts.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
interest in FSU. The SEC doesn't really want FSU, they just don't want the B1G to have them.
FSU just assumes they should be wanted by both. And perhaps, they are wanted by neither.
(In response to this post by mrcaniac)
1mo
"Brazilian Championship A Series"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campeonato_Brasileiro_S%C3%...
(In response to this post by VT ChemE 1986)
1mo
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
These sources are probably decent donors at some schools, but just because they are donors doesn't mean they have 100% knowledge, maybe strong rumors, ut those people aren't the decision-makers. Thus, those donors are maybe correct here ir there, ir maybe what they heard was true, but things change in a heartbeat.
(In response to this post by mancunian)
1mo
The conversations never change. The Flugar has been creating pseudo-news for years, yet people here seem to run with it as though it’s actual news.
(In response to this post by mancunian)
1mo
They're merely discussing possibilities. That's the purpose of a message board. Discussion.
(In response to this post by marcbvtgm)
1mo
If someone reports the moon is made of cheese and then it gets posted and a conversation starts around the report, that's running with it.
Nevertheless, the conversations here are the same old...over and over.
(In response to this post by RVAHokie05)
1mo
** Edited by RVAHokie05 at 6/30/2026, 3:55:27 PM
(In response to this post by marcbvtgm)
V
VTejrep
1mo
Speculation
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
E
EDGEMAN
1mo
We were in a bad place the first time it was rumored we were asked to join. We had expended all of our political capital getting into the ACC, so we weren't going to jump into another conference a year or two later.
Now we have nothing to lose, except the millions lost by not jumping to a P2 conference.
Football needs to show immediate improvement this fall.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
Media hucksters think it does.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
1mo
But I suspect that congress would try to say that expansion must be complete already once this becomes law. And the P2 conferences would sue and challenge that the language does not specify timing or details of when expansion counts. And that would be important because a move of teams would not happen immediately. It would be at least a year long effort and maybe 2-3 years.
No matter what, people will find loopholes and ways around this if it means more money and power.
** Edited by HokieAl at 6/29/2026, 11:53:05 AM
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
the SEC is a good fit IMO. Tennessee every year would be worth the price of admission for us casual fans.
If not, ...., playing former Big East schools in the B12 wouldn't be a bad consolation prize - but I'm biased of course.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
8
83Hokie
1mo
(In response to this post by IB4TECH)
1mo
return of round robin conferences. This makes even more sense now with an expanded and forever expanding CFP. This will get rid of conference championship games which are becoming increasingly awkward.
(In response to this post by IB4TECH)
1mo
the other NCAA division levels, NAIA 2 division levels, JUCOs, and even the CCs. Historically, there are some conferences that haven't played a round robin schedule since the 1980s or even prior to the NCAA creating the 3 division levels in 1971. Also, some conferences have even managed to work in their conference championship game into their regular season schedule without any issue. If you want to see what I mean, then I would suggest to you or anyone to research how the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) handles its conference championship game and still allows all of its members to still play 10 regular season games without adding any additional weeks to the regular season schedule. I suspect there are other conferences that does the same thing or something similar as what the PSAC does now.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
1mo
Not to mention forfeiting hundreds of millions in exit fees from departing members. Why this even ever comes up makes no sense.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
1mo
brands are in fact taken by the P2, the dominos could indeed fall very quickly. If the moves are made because of the bill being passed, there could be enough moves to dissolve the ACC as we currently know it. With Calford and SMU in the conference, it take more schools - but what if the P2 takes 4 or 5 schools? The best of the rest in the ACC could very well want to move to the B12, especially since a new contract could be negotiated early.
How many schools does it take to dissolve the ACC? Personally, I don't see it, but with the bill supposed to be passed by September of this year, It is on the table IMO.
(In response to this post by Sunsetunderground)
T
TDVick
1mo
trends were apparent back then. It would have been a lot better for UVa as well if we had bailed in 2012. Had we already been in the SEC, UNC might have been able to pull them in this round if that is where they wanted to go.
I'm basing this on the thought that adding two schools from the same state is dilutive and undesirable. Once the SEC gets one VA team, they probably don't want another, unless that is a requirement to get UNC.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
1mo
NCSU to get UNC, both will remain in the ACC. It's like paying double for UNC, and their brand is basketball, not football.
(In response to this post by TDVick)
3w
But for some reason, everyone seems obsessed with UNC. I don't know. Maybe it's the uniforms. Haha.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
3w
never done Jack in Football. How many News Year Day bowls have they played in? KU hasn't done much in football either, just so i don't get pummeled here, but out here in Flyover, UNC is like Kentucky, or IU, Duke, UConn and Villanova. No one, and I mean no one watches their football games. Air Jordon in a good brand, but that is not UNC's brand.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
T
TDVick
1mo
to the B10. Travel is nasty, but otherwise the B10 looks to have better financials.
Hate to say it but UNC is the whale in this and they can pull in NCSU redundantly. Maybe someone can correct me but it seems that having two schools from SC, VA are redundant, likewise GT.
Florida is such a huge state that it doesn't matter. If FSU goes to the SEC, it seems like the FL politicians steered them there to help UF since Miami is private. I would think that FSU would strongly prefer being in the B10 with Miami than in the SEC.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
3w
interested in FSU and Clemson. Perhaps because of lack of AAU membership.
IMO, if the B1G is going into the South, they shouldn't be messing around with private schools and "public ivies." They should go hard or go home. And that means FSU and Clemson. Football first schools with SEC-like fanbases and atmospheres. And that would also but VT in the conversation. Schools like FSU, Clemson, and VT don't have AAU status. But their academic profiles are better than some B1G schools, so it's not like they wouldn't fit in.
Lastly, I think FSU DID prefer the B1G. But I think the B1G privately rebuffed them. Which I think is a mistake on the part of the Big Ten.
(In response to this post by TDVick)
T
TDVick
3w
New Year's Day bowl that includes a Big 10 team, but lots of people own farms which are pretty much on lockdown and run by a skeleton crew all winter. People are very eager to get out of town. Both the B10 and B12 (heartland) teams travel like no one else. It has always been that that way - Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl. Miami is an obvious gem to add to their portfolio. They should add the Arizona schools as well and run high ticket price neutral site games in Miami and Phoenix or book back-to-back road games versus UCLA and USC so the fans can stay in LA all week.
I know that broadcasting is driving this, but Wisconsin or Indiana could sell 40,000 road tickets weeks in a row for $150 a piece and made $12 million if they played USC and UCLA on a two game swing.
The dumbass BE or ACC could never do this.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
2
2hhoop3
1mo
actually examine the proposed bill, it is unlikely to pass and that is even before their constituents opposed to the legislation chime in. With all the country's issues, Congress would be wise to focus on real issues instead of grandstanding on matters of lesser consequence and bailing out the NCAA from their unwillingness to properly address their own issues.
(In response to this post by Big12 guy)
1mo
I couldn't agree more which is why I do think they will act. They could always tweak and water down the bill that takes revenue sharing and allows future realignment - but it's got everyone's attention.
If they attempt to freeze the conferences as they are, this could very well become an intensely quick game of musical chairs, and the schools that do not have their ducks in a row, could be on the outside looking in.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
1mo
dealing with now, it is possible the schools can't wrap their hands around the problems because there are too many competing interests and factoring in the various media contracts. At least that may be a more accurate way to view the situation than to assume the NCAA is unwilling to address the issues. I say that because people don't always clearly define which part of the NCAA they are really referring to when making that kind of statement. Is the person referring to the school because the schools (all 3 division levels) ARE really the NCAA or the HQ in Nap Town which depend on the schools to define its power. The NCAA (HQ) is like any other self-regulating athletic organization out there. These organizations will never overstep their authority for the most part. It is just a question of is the authority defined by the owners or the schools.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
1mo
addresses multiple decades of kicking the can down the road. Any good business person knows smaller problems are much easier to correct than allowing them to fester and become bigger problems.
You might be right that problems are now so complex they can't wrap their hands around the situation. I must ask, if people whose job it is to manage the organization with a full time focus can't wrap their hands around the issues, is it reasonable to expect a group of neer do well politicians who came to the issue last night to craft a good solution?
(In response to this post by VTHokie2000)
1mo
It is possible the "problems" started as early as the day after SCOTUS ruled the NCAA violated antitrust laws with how it controlled the media rights. It is entirely possible the people in charge (aka college presidents and ADs) didn't know what to look for in terms of warning signs because they never received the proper training and/or they were too focused on making sure their school maximized the benefits of the ruling.
By the time things rolled around into the late '90s, '00s, or 2010s when the "problems" should have been glaringly obvious, they likely decided to just kick the can down the road because the horse had left the barn a long time ago. Also, the more influential schools and/or conferences likely didn't want to do anything to risk jeopardizing their gravy train. Even today I think the schools are in Year 2 of the NCAA re-org meetings and I am not sure they are making the kind of progress that the group made leading up to the 1971 announcement. It probably doesn't help that the group is only meeting once or twice per year. At least I don't think they are meeting once per quarter yet. Perceptually, I do understand why someone may think the schools aren't that interested in fixing the problems because it would seem they are not that vested into the committee. Then again, how much time should someone invest in the re-org committee if that isn't their primary job?
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
1mo
what might be Flugaur's, or more accurately his source's, motivation for the "leak". It could be FSU trying to push their agenda, it could be a smoke screen to obscure real objectives, it could be another variable for politician's to consider as they vote, etc.. I think anything Congress passes just screws the situation up further. I am not sure there is a solution short of blowing it all up and building a new model from scratch. There are so many parts that unintended consequences of one action on another part is almost a certainty.
** Edited by 2hhoop3 at 6/29/2026, 11:05:26 AM
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
T
TDVick
1mo
ironed out by now. Clearly, one of the P2 wants a team in VA. I think that fact that we are not AAU hinders us with the B10. Moreover, it seems that the B10 is financially superior to the SEC (sadly). My guess that the politicians engineered UVa away from the SEC to get us a spot.
Whether these guys are full of crap or not, the story makes a lot of sense to me as a stand alone bargaining outcome.
** Edited by TDVick at 7/2/2026, 6:36:35 AM
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
T
TerryD
1mo
Or, is it a fantasy, made up person for Flug to attract viewers and "Superchats"?
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
1mo
the same type question that can be asked about all his sources probably. Are they sources in reality or puppeteers winding up their mouthpiece to disseminate info/propaganda to push their desired goals and objectives.
(In response to this post by TerryD)
T
TerryD
1mo
..have any real sources. I don't know if they are mouthpieces or frauds.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
2
2hhoop3
1mo
I would lean to mouthpieces because I don't believe any of them are knowledgeable enough to concoct the scenarios they present without help.
(In response to this post by TerryD)
1mo
will probably require support from the DII and DIII schools too. At that point the schools can roll the NCAA back to how things were prior to 1971 when they voted to create the 3 division levels in the first place.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
1mo
backing off due to the new provision of a lock down on conference realignment. Not only would this current legislation mean that FSU can't go to the P2, but it also means no G6 schools can go to the ACC or BigXII.
So to your line of thinking, perhaps FSU and the SEC are sending the message that they are prepared to act before the law reaches the president's desk as a way of getting Congress to back off. On the other hand, it might not be a bluff. It might be true the parties might mean to do exactly what they say.
I don't know though. Just spit balling.
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)
1mo
Each conference at 20 and set for the immediate and long term future. At that point ACC adds UConn, Tulane, and USF im guessing.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)
V
Vippie1
1mo
I just dont think they would succeed . All hell would break out and Congress would figure out a way to abort it or severely punish the SEC.
Again I dont doubt it has been discussed but pulling the trigger sounds more like another F$U fantasy.
(In response to this post by Maroon Baboon)