Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious and recognizable names in college athletics, known for its storied football program, rich traditions, and strong academic reputation. However, its conference affiliation has been a topic of discussion and sometimes confusion among sports fans.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Notre Dame’s current conference affiliation
- The history behind Notre Dame’s independent status in football
- Notre Dame’s membership in the ACC for other sports
- Why Notre Dame remains independent in football
- Potential future conference realignment scenarios
Notre Dame’s Current Conference Affiliation
Football: Independent (No Conference Affiliation)
Unlike most major college football programs, the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish do not belong to a conference for football. They are one of only three FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) independents (along with UConn and UMass).
Notre Dame has maintained its independent status in football since the program’s inception, valuing the flexibility to schedule national opponents and preserve historic rivalries (USC, Stanford, Navy, etc.).
All Other Sports: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
While Notre Dame remains independent in football, most of its other athletic programs compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Notre Dame joined the ACC in all sports except football in 2013, after previously being part of the Big East Conference.
The ACC and Notre Dame have a unique arrangement:
- Football Scheduling Agreement: Notre Dame plays five ACC opponents per year but is not a full football member.
- Full Membership in Other Sports: Basketball, baseball, soccer, and Olympic sports compete in the ACC.
- Partial Access to ACC Championships: Notre Dame is eligible for ACC championships in all sports except football.
Why Is Notre Dame Independent in Football?
Notre Dame’s football independence is deeply rooted in tradition, national appeal, and financial incentives. Here are the key reasons:
1. Historical Prestige and National Brand
Notre Dame football has been a national brand since the early 20th century, thanks to legendary coaches like Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy, as well as iconic players like George Gipson, Joe Montana, and Tim Brown.
- National TV Deal (NBC): Since 1991, Notre Dame has had an exclusive contract with NBC to broadcast its home games, a rare privilege no other school has.
- No Need for Conference Revenue Sharing: As an independent, Notre Dame keeps 100% of its media rights revenue rather than splitting it with a conference.
2. Flexible Scheduling
Independence allows Notre Dame to:
- Maintain historic rivalries (USC, Navy, Stanford, Michigan at times).
- Play a national schedule with games in California, the Midwest, and the East Coast.
- Avoid being locked into a conference schedule that may limit big matchups.
3. Playoff and Bowl Access
Even as an independent, Notre Dame has full access to the College Football Playoff (CFP) and major bowl games:
- CFP Eligibility: Notre Dame can qualify for the playoff as an at-large team.
- ACC Bowl Tie-In: Through its partial ACC agreement, Notre Dame can play in ACC-affiliated bowls (Orange Bowl, etc.) when eligible.
Notre Dame’s Relationship with the ACC
While Notre Dame remains independent in football, its partnership with the ACC is crucial for other sports.
How the Notre Dame-ACC Deal Works
- 5-Game Football Schedule: Notre Dame must play five ACC opponents per year (e.g., Clemson, Florida State, Miami).
- Full Membership in Other Sports: Notre Dame competes for ACC championships in basketball, baseball, lacrosse, etc.
- Revenue Sharing: Notre Dame receives a partial share of ACC media revenue but not a full member’s share.
Could Notre Dame Ever Join the ACC for Football?
Notre Dame has resisted full ACC membership for football, but the possibility has been discussed. Key factors:
- CFP Expansion: A 12-team playoff could make independence less advantageous.
- TV Revenue Shifts: If NBC’s deal becomes less lucrative, joining a conference may be more appealing.
- ACC’s Grant of Rights: The ACC’s long-term media deal (through 2036) complicates any move.
Notre Dame’s leadership has repeatedly stated that independence is preferred, but never say never in college sports realignment.
Notre Dame’s Historic Conference Affiliations
Before joining the ACC, Notre Dame had other conference ties:
| Era | Conference | Sports | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979–1995 | Midwestern City Conference (later Horizon League) | Basketball (men’s) | Left for the Big East in 1995. |
| 1995–2013 | Big East Conference | All sports except football | Left for the ACC in 2013. |
| 2013–Present | ACC | All sports except football | Current affiliation. |
Will Notre Dame Ever Join a Football Conference?
The future of Notre Dame’s independence depends on several factors:
1. College Football Playoff Expansion
- The 12-team CFP (starting in 2024) could make it easier for Notre Dame to qualify as an independent.
- However, if conferences get automatic bids, independence might become riskier.
2. TV Revenue Changes
- If NBC or another network offers a massive new deal, independence stays strong.
- If conference payouts (Big Ten, SEC) dwarf Notre Dame’s earnings, joining may become tempting.
3. Conference Realignment Shakeups
- If the ACC weakens (e.g., Florida State/Clemson leave), Notre Dame may seek a stronger league.
- The Big Ten (with historic rivals like Michigan, USC) could be an alternative.
Notre Dame’s Stance: Independence First
Notre Dame’s AD, Jack Swarbrick, has repeatedly said:
“We value our independence. It’s part of who we are. Unless the landscape changes dramatically, we plan to stay independent.”
Conclusion: Notre Dame’s Unique Conference Status
- Football: Independent (no conference).
- All Other Sports: ACC member.
- Future: Likely to stay independent unless major financial or playoff changes occur.
Notre Dame’s independence is a defining trait, blending tradition, flexibility, and financial benefits. While conference realignment continues to reshape college sports, Notre Dame remains one of the last true independents—and that’s unlikely to change soon.
Would you like Notre Dame to join a conference, or should they stay independent? Let us know your thoughts!
FAQ: Notre Dame Conference Affiliation
Q: Is Notre Dame in the Big Ten?
A: No, Notre Dame is not in the Big Ten. It is an independent in football and an ACC member in other sports.
Q: Why doesn’t Notre Dame join the ACC for football?
A: Notre Dame values independence for scheduling, tradition, and TV revenue. The ACC allows partial membership while keeping football independent.
Q: Can Notre Dame make the College Football Playoff as an independent?
A: Yes, Notre Dame has made the CFP twice (2018, 2020) as an independent.
Q: What would make Notre Dame join a conference?
A: A major shift in TV money or playoff access could force a change, but for now, independence remains the priority.
