Notre Dame’s Philosphy on Realignment
Photo via Dayton Daily News
Notre Dame, Indiana (PSF) - In the world of ever-changing college football conferences, there seems to be only one constant; Notre Dame’s refusal to join a conference. The Fighting Irish seem to be about the only team in the country unaffected by the conference realignment plague.
Remaining independent has long been the standard for the Irish. Despite joining the ACC in 2013 in all sports but football and hockey, the Irish remain unswayed by the growing influence of television money in college football.
Notre Dame has long been one of college football’s premier brands. The legacy of Notre Dame football extends beyond the playing field, idolized in films like Rudy.
To put it simply, there is no benefit, for now, for Notre Dame to join a conference. As much as college football fans want the Fighting Irish to join the Big Ten, Notre Dame can survive without the weight of a Power Five conference behind it. Their current deal with NBC pays out $22 million annually. Per USA Today, the Irish are seeking a new deal worth $75 million a year. (For perspective, the Big Ten’s new deal pays roughly $90 million per team).
Despite the rising price of college football television deals, there is no reason for Notre Dame to join a conference. Barring some unforeseen change in philosophy, the Irish faithful can expect to be independent for many years.
Interestingly, despite their refusal to formally join the conference, Notre Dame still wants to influence the ACC.
