when factoring in the imminent ACC network. The inventory they bring for a conference network is hard to match among the list of potential candidates. They have excellent non-revenue athletics, which are the majority of airtime, not including their nationally superior WBB program. Sure their football program isn't anything to write home about yet, but that just means more live football to fill up airtime on fall Saturdays.

They "fit" in other ways, as well: Excellent academics. They're on the Atlantic coast. Existing rivalries with some current ACC members. Located relatively close to the NY market. Etc.