N.C. legislators advance college sports schedule mandates bill amid ACC uncertainty

North Carolina legislators advanced a bill Tuesday that would require the Univ. of North Carolina and NC State -- the state’s two largest public universities -- to “play each other annually in football and basketball and play three other top public system schools regularly,” according to Gary Robertson of the AP. Under the measure -- which cleared the House committee on universities with “no debate” -- UNC and NC State would also “be required” to play East Carolina, Appalachian State or UNC Charlotte “at least once every year in those sports.” While UNC and NC State currently “play each other routinely” through the ACC, the conference is “facing uncertainty about its long-term future” as it continues to face a “ growing financial gap ” behind the Big Ten and SEC. Alumni, including some “powerful legislators and bill sponsors,” say that “holding such games with the top schools benefits college-town economies and challenged school athletic departments.” Robertson notes the legislation would also allow a game between schools "to be held at a neutral site if the otherwise home team chooses." The bill “still must clear two House committees” before a floor vote ( AP, 6/4 ).