So in 1999, Notre Dame seriously considered joining the Big Ten to become their 12th member. They rejected joining in favor of Independence and having basketball in the Big East. Eventually the Big Ten would expand, adding Nebraska in 2011 and later adding Maryland and Rutgers in 2014. So if the Irish join in 1999 what happens? Obviously there is a championship game, probably at first played in Chicago but later in Indianapolis once Lucas Oil is finished (though Old Soldier field might be a fun venue, or the Metrodome or the Silverdome before any of their replacements are built. )
Another factor is what happens to other leagues? Does the Big 12 remain? Who does the Pac 12 pursue? I think the ACC expands but is Boston College still the 12th team since in all honesty Miami and Virginia Tech are perfect targets. What about the Big East, and college basketball in general? There are a lot of possibilities here and it really might be fun to see what happens.
Another factor is what happens to other leagues? Does the Big 12 remain? Who does the Pac 12 pursue? I think the ACC expands but is Boston College still the 12th team since in all honesty Miami and Virginia Tech are perfect targets. What about the Big East, and college basketball in general? There are a lot of possibilities here and it really might be fun to see what happens.