ESPN to Continue ACC Broadcasting through 2036

Commissioner Jim Phillips and Coach Dabo Swinney during the ACC Championship trophy presentation. Photo By: Charles Mays - Tiger View Media

As reported by ESPN's David Hale and Andrea Adelson, the ACC and ESPN will maintain their television partnership until 2036. ESPN had until February 1st to exercise the option on a 20-year contract initially signed in 2016. Had ESPN declined, the contract would have concluded after the 2027 athletics season. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips advocated for increased conference value, which involved organizing more prominent football and basketball matchups. The ACC board of directors convened on Wednesday night and approved these enhancements.

Notre Dame could play a significant role in this, as they already participate in the ACC for sports other than football. Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua expressed interest earlier this month in regularly facing Clemson, Florida State, and Miami. Notre Dame is expected to play at least two of the three teams each season. Although Notre Dame is independent in football, they already compete in five to six games annually against ACC schools.

According to the proposed plan, a portion of the ACC's television revenue would be allocated to a "brand" fund. This money would be distributed to schools that consistently generate the highest revenue for the conference in football and men's and women's basketball, with Clemson, Florida State, Miami, and North Carolina expected to be the primary beneficiaries, sources informed ESPN. Sources believe that if this agreement becomes final, Clemson and Florida State would be expected to drop their lawsuits against the ACC. Clemson filed its initial awsuit against the ACC in March of 2024, in Pickens County, SC, in which the ACC countersued in Mecklenburg County, NC.

During negotiations with the ACC, Clemson and FSU presented a new revenue structure proposal that establishes a distinct pool of funds to be allocated based on media value metrics and other football performance criteria. This proposal was presented to ACC university presidents as part of a potential two-part resolution. The schools are suggesting modifications to the conference’s grant-of-rights agreement, which is a big part of both lawsuits, including possibly lowering the penalty fees associated with the contract or altering its duration.

"Clemson and Florida State have both argued that the ACC television contract, which earns the conference about half of what the Big Ten receives from Fox, puts the schools at a significant financial disadvantage compared with rivals in the SEC and Big Ten, making it impossible to consistently compete for national championships. As part of the settlement, Clemson and Florida State are asking the ACC to agree to reduce penalties for exiting the grant of rights after 2031, when TV contracts for the Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 are set to expire."