I think they key here, for those that are pro-expansion (or are on the fence) is that we have a look-in provision in 2017. If we were able to add two members by that point, there is almost a guarantee that the GOR would be extended to help increase the payout of the extension.
This is important because the ACC GOR ends a year before ours. If you want to essentially ensure the survival of this conference, we need status quo payouts and an extension to 2027-2028(ish). That means the ACC, which is the weakest, financially, will be the first one on the chopping block.
Let's say that we add a couple of teams (the who isn't important right now), and we get the GOR extended until 2027. As we near 2025-2026, the ACC teams are severely lagging behind in revenue. Florida State has had a down few years, and more often than not, the Big 12 is the one in that 4th playoff spot as opposed to an ACC team.
Let's say the Big Ten flirts with UNC/UVA to the point where they see the writing on the wall, and they're willing to jump ship. They move to the Big Ten. The SEC then wants to move into NC and VA by taking NC St. and VT. That leaves literally everyone left for us to take 4-6 teams from.
Let's say that Florida State, Louisville, GT, and Clemson are jumpy and looking to move. Or we go to 18 and add Pitt and Duke or Miami. There's possibilities there.
I'm not saying this is likely, obviously, but it's a scenario to think about.