A significant development in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) could soon reshape how member institutions share revenues. According to an insider, a proposed agreement has been reached among the ACC, Clemson University, and Florida State University that aims to resolve their ongoing legal disputes. This insider chose to remain unnamed due to the sensitive nature of the situation before official announcements from the league or involved universities. The news initially broke via ESPN.
The upcoming meetings scheduled by trustees at both Clemson and Florida State on Tuesday signal important steps toward formalizing this settlement. While Florida State's agenda explicitly mentions addressing lawsuits related to the ACC, Clemson's agenda includes authorizing its administration to finalize athletic litigation settlements. Additionally, the ACC’s Board of Directors, comprising university presidents and chancellors, is set to convene a call during a prearranged meeting on Tuesday to give their approval to the deal.
Upon ratification, this agreement would introduce a new factor into the revenue distribution formula: television viewership ratings. Schools that attract higher TV interest would consequently receive larger financial shares. This shift promises not only to settle current disagreements but also to incentivize member schools to enhance their visibility and appeal to sports fans across the nation.