Two reasons Stanford joining the ACC at a discounted rate makes sense for both parties

It's not a decision that many would expect but it could be the difference

This entire past year we have seen programs leave their conference for money elsewhere.

Texas and Oklahoma got the party started by joining the SEC, which was followed up by USC and UCLA jumping ship to the Big Ten. These moves by the faces of each conference kicked off a year long saga of programs either finding new homes, or left looking for a new one. Stanford finds themselves in the latter category, as the Pac-12 has essentially collapsed and unless an unforeseen change occurs they need a landing spot.

Luckily for them they have a potential landing spot, it just happens to be in a conference that is across the country. However, unlike the programs that have left the Pac-12 they likely won't be cashing in big bucks. In fact, according to reports on Thursday Stanford is willing to join the ACC at a discounted rate, maybe even for free for several years. While this may draw criticism from some, there are a couple key reasons that this makes sense for Stanford and the ACC.

Stanford can afford it

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If any program in the country can afford to not receive a chunk of media rights money for a few years it's Stanford. According to the Wall Street Journal, Stanford is the second wealthiest university in the country, trailing only Harvard. Per their website, in 2021 their endowment was nearly $38 billion. Using that money they spent about 5% of it on things such as financial aid, student services, faculty salaries, research, libraries, and athletics. For reference, that 5% covers over 20% of their total expenses, and equates to about $6.8 billion. Now obviously relying on the endowment will likely require more funds than their current spending, but based on reports the school is willing to do it. 

Increases their chances entry

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

It is no secret that programs around the ACC are frustrated with their media rights deal, as we have even seen notable ones like Florida State and Clemson discussing leaving. It is also not a secret that Stanford and Cal were reportedly one vote short of being granted entry last week. So, if Stanford and Cal join the conference for a discount, it will allow for the conference to funnel its increased revenue from the contract with ESPN, in the direction of the unhappy members which may help change some minds. While this feels like a blow to the gut, realistically it is nowhere near the blow that not being a power conference would be for Stanford. It allows them to keep building on their extremely strong recruiting class, which otherwise could be in jeopardy. It also allows for them to compete for a spot in the playoff once it expands. Most importantly, swallowing their pride in the short term provides them stability in the long term. Should they turn things around on the gridiron, their program will be seen with more respect and they can either make more money next time around when the ACC's deal is up or they may get that Big Ten invite after all. It's a long term play that will likely pay off for Stanford.