The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is undergoing significant changes to its scheduling strategies as a new revenue distribution model takes effect. This model incorporates television viewership into the financial framework for member institutions, creating new incentives for teams to prioritize high-profile matchups.
Florida State University (FSU) made headlines by defeating Alabama in their season opener, a game that garnered widespread attention on network television. Coach Mike Norvell emphasized the importance of showcasing competitive games, stating, “We’re going to play an aggressive schedule. We want those showcase games.”
The ACC’s new revenue structure, adopted following a legal settlement in March 2023, shifts the allocation of television revenue, with 60% based on a rolling five-year viewership formula. Previously, revenue had been distributed evenly among member schools. Now, teams participating in high-visibility games will see increased financial benefits, which is particularly crucial in an era where schools are permitted to pay athletes directly.
This change has prompted coaches and administrators to reassess their scheduling decisions. Some are considering more nonconference games, while others are exploring opportunities to play during less competitive time slots, such as Friday nights. Manny Diaz, head coach at Duke University, noted the need for teams to seek visibility, saying, “You’re looking for opportunities now to be seen.”
The ACC’s revamped model aims to drive revenue by rewarding schools that attract viewers. Football and men’s basketball, the league’s main revenue drivers, account for 75% and 25% of the viewership payout, respectively. A source familiar with the model shared with the Associated Press that in the current year, 35% of the value will come from this year’s viewership, while the previous four years will be weighted less heavily, accounting for the remaining 65%.
This structure allows strong television ratings to have a long-term impact, similar to how NCAA tournament victories can generate revenue over several years. Notably, prominent programs such as FSU, Clemson, and Miami are well-positioned to benefit from this model, given their strong historical performance.
The University of North Carolina (UNC) could also see financial gains as it boasts a storied men’s basketball program and a newly appointed football coach, Bill Belichick, who has won six Super Bowls. Athletic director Bubba Cunningham expressed optimism about the potential revenue increase, stating, “We will get more money because of our media interest as we go forward.”
The ACC’s initial results under the new model have been promising. Broadcasters ESPN and ABC reported record viewership for the opening week of the season, with the top six games featuring ACC teams. Highlights included the matchup between now-No. 4 Miami and now-No. 24 Notre Dame, which attracted 10.8 million viewers, and FSU’s thrilling victory over now-No. 14 Alabama, watched by 10.7 million.
These high-profile games will influence league payouts through the 2029 season, meaning that scheduling decisions made today will have financial implications for years to come. As teams begin to plan their future schedules, the ACC may also consider adjusting its conference schedule from eight to nine games, which could further limit nonconference opportunities.
Clemson athletic director Graham Neff recognizes the importance of adapting to the new revenue model. With two national championships and nine ACC titles under Coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson is focused on maximizing its brand visibility. The university has secured a notable 12-year football agreement with Notre Dame, set to begin in 2027, and will participate in the prestigious Maui Invitational for men’s basketball next season.
Neff described the new revenue distribution model as “really innovative” and highlighted the necessity for strategic scheduling discussions among athletic directors and coaches. He remarked on the dual benefits of this approach, stating that it not only enhances competitive success but also strengthens partnerships with media outlets like ESPN, which holds the ACC’s media rights through 2036.
The ACC’s viewership-based revenue adjustment is one of several initiatives aimed at closing the financial gap with the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. A previous “success initiative” allows schools to retain funds from their own postseason achievements, potentially generating an additional $20 million to $25 million in a successful year. According to another source, the new revenue model could yield an extra $15 million for top-earning schools, though it may decrease by about $7 million for others.
These strategic changes reflect a growing acknowledgment within the ACC of the need to operate as a business. Coach Manny Diaz encapsulated this sentiment, stating, “We recognize this is a legit business. So to me, whatever’s good for the business of Duke football or Duke athletics or college football in general, everybody’s got to be on board to do those things.”
As the ACC continues to navigate this evolving landscape, the focus on strategic scheduling and maximizing media visibility will be crucial for its member schools in the years ahead.
