I put this up to gather some feedback and as usual not disappointed by the post put up by some well informed and thoughtful Posters on the Lair.
After reading all the comments it is my understanding that only the ACC and ESPN have had more of an exclusive relationship more so than the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 that have already setup their Conference Networks. Noting that SEC and ESPN work close too as well.
So in regards to the ACC switching to NBC, CBS, or FOX
I tend to discount that in hand. Yet, when it comes to Notre Dame's NBC TV Contract and Texas Long Horn Network for that matter, clearly that aspect has to be dealt with, but I suspect that will be with ESPN more than without them? Just an opinion not gospel.
On the other hand, it is my belief that Notre Dame will wait before it joins any Conference until the College Football Playoff is expanded to 6 or 8 Teams in the future. at that time, Notre Dame will see and be able to make a better decision to qualify as an Independent-ACC Related, join the ACC, or consider another Conference.
However, the more comfortable and workable Notre Dame becomes in the ACC the more favorable it will be to join the ACC and being a Top Program that ND would be in the ACC is advantage over competing in SEC or Big-10 Top Programs and ND cares about Academics that favors the ACC.
Moreover, I do see this dependent on what Texas does in the Big-12 as an indication of what can happen. If the Big-12 Expands then that is because Texas approved it, if it doesn't it because Texas is looking at other options down the road just like Notre Dame can always do because these are self-sufficient Revenue Programs.
Keeping that in mind, the ACC is going to proceed with a Network in my opinion regardless so ND will have to be included, consulted, or discussed in any event.
Additionally, this means ND will discuss about what other member it can help attract should it choose that the continued relationship with the ACC should be favored, so bringing in another top program is in the Irish interests, such as Texas!
I say this because ACC Commissioner Swofford is on record that only Texas as an open invitation to the ACC at anytime. Consequently, why not tackle the ND NBC Contract, Texas Long Horn Network, and ACC Network all at the same time with mutual interests for the future???
Yet, never underestimate what ESPN is doing for its own interests and it is still my opinion, that ESPN was working with all Conferences when Expansion was happening anyway. Consequently, again the Big Ten and SEC could make a move on their own before the ACC makes there own.
Finally, I still see Oklahoma also being the wild card in the big-12 and could re-start expansion, they could just make a move anytime, if they get upset that the Big-12 is not expanding because Texas does not want it at this time?
Usually, Reporters keep their ears to the ground as well as often are leaked info for purposes of others, and Dodd does follow various Business and other aspects of College Football. So even if he has been saying that for years, I still think it is relevant and being put out as a echo for others to hear?.
