UNC AD Bubba Cunningham is “not ready to declare the projected revenue gap as untenable for the ACC in the years ahead"Getty Images
North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham is “not ready to declare the projected revenue gap" between the SEC and Big Ten and the rest of college sports as "untenable for the ACC in the years ahead," according to Greg Barnes of INSIDE CAROLINA. There is a "prominent line of thinking" that UNC "needs to jump ship to the SEC or Big Ten before the financial disparity becomes detrimental," The expanding revenue gap has "sounded alarm bells" throughout the conference, but Cunningham has been "outspoken ... in his criticism of FSU's brash approach." Cunningham: "Our obligation to the ACC is to be the best partner with our conference that we can possibly be." Barnes noted Cunningham is “also being consistent in how he views UNC’s responsibility to the conference the Tar Heels have called home since 1953.” When asked what is known is the immense value that UNC brings to the ACC as a founding member, Cunningham said, "I do think the University of North Carolina is absolutely central to the functioning of the ACC as it stands today.” He added, “Now, if North Carolina wasn't in the ACC, would there still be an ACC? I think so. But I thought there would be a Pac-12 as well." Cunningham said, “I also think that we have to look at what is in the best interest of the university today and going forward. And I think you can do both." Cunningham said NCAA President Charlie Baker has a proposal out there that “we want to enhance some of the benefits to students ... But the financial component of his proposal I don't think has really been fully developed" (247SPORTS.com, 3/13).
