In a strategic move aimed at enhancing competitiveness, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has decided to revert its men's basketball schedule to an 18-game format starting from the 2025-26 season. This decision follows years of experimentation with a 20-game setup and stems from recent underwhelming performances in both conference and non-conference games. With only four teams qualifying for the NCAA Tournament last season, ACC athletic directors unanimously agreed on the change during a league-wide call. The primary goal is to reduce less valuable games and focus on improving overall performance through stronger non-conference matchups.
A Strategic Reversion: Details of ACC's New Scheduling Plan
In the vibrant atmosphere of college basketball planning, the ACC has reshaped its future by adopting a revised schedule structure. Beginning in the 2025-26 season, each team will participate in two home-and-home series, fourteen single-match encounters, and one "zero-play" scenario, meaning every ACC team will face sixteen opponents instead of seventeen. For instance, North Carolina might play Duke twice and possibly NC State in another home-and-home series, followed by seven home and seven away games against other ACC schools. This arrangement aims to balance competition while providing opportunities for more meaningful non-league contests that can bolster NCAA Tournament résumés.
This shift comes amidst significant challenges faced by the ACC. Last season marked one of its weakest showings, sending just four out of eighteen teams to the NCAA Tournament—a mere 22.2% participation rate, the lowest since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Moreover, the conference struggled with a poor nonconference winning percentage, finishing below .500 against top-100 teams for the fourth consecutive year. These struggles highlight the need for reform, especially as rival conferences like the SEC dominate with record-breaking tournament bids.
Despite these setbacks, the ACC retains some prestige through standout performances. Teams such as North Carolina, Duke, Miami, and NC State have made deep runs in recent tournaments, showcasing their potential when conditions align favorably. By joining the SEC and Big 12 in implementing an 18-game schedule, the ACC hopes to regain its former glory and compete more effectively within the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
From a journalist’s perspective, this move signifies a pivotal moment for the ACC. It reflects a broader trend among major conferences reevaluating their scheduling strategies to adapt to modern competitive demands. While no immediate changes are anticipated from other Power Five conferences, the ACC's initiative underscores the importance of balancing traditional rivalry games with opportunities to strengthen national profiles. Ultimately, this adjustment could lead to improved tournament prospects and restore the ACC's status as a premier basketball conference, proving that thoughtful restructuring can pave the way for renewed success.