Is this the Beginning of the End for the ACC?
It’s no secret: compared to the SEC and B1G, the ACC does not pay out. Even with top athletic programs like the Clemson Tigers, Florida State Seminoles, and Miami Hurricanes, the ACC’s current revenue pales in comparison to that of its counterparts. With a TV deal that is not set to expire until 2036, the conference shows little signs of catching up to the SEC or B1G any time soon.
This has prompted 7 members of the ACC to form a coalition in hopes of addressing the current state of the conference. Known as the “Magnificent 7,” the group includes Clemson, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, and Virginia Tech.
According to Brett McMurphy, the group has met with lawyers over the last several months to review the ACC’s Grant-of-Rights, with the possible intent of breaking their commitment to the conference.
Clemson, FSU, Miami, UNC, NC State, Virginia & Virginia Tech are “The Magnificent 7” ACC schools, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. These schools, @RossDellenger reported, have met in past several months, w/lawyers examining grant-of-rights to determine just how unbreakable it is.…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) May 15, 2023
Their goal is simple: make more money. Yet, their path to doing so remains unclear.
As the landscape of conference alignment in college athletics continues to undergo constant changes, it seems their initial intent is underscored by a rumor these teams may attempt to leave the ACC.
Such speculations seem unrealistic. However, as more and more teams reconsider their future in their respected conferences, perhaps a departure from the ACC is not out of the question for the Clemson Tigers.
Since Texas and Oklahoma announced their intent to depart the Big12 in 2021, the world of college football has undergone a complete overhaul. Several programs have explored options to align themselves with either the SEC or B1G, rather than fall into irrelevance with their current conferences.
Until now, it seemed the ACC had avoided such a catastrophe. But with limited revenue, it was only a matter of time before larger markets like Clemson and Florida State considered alternative options.
The ‘Magnificent 7’ will undoubtedly have some lasting effect on the ACC. At a minimum, it will force the conference to reconsider how it allocates its revenue amongst programs. If the conference fails to address these concerns, however, it could mean Clemson’s ties with the ACC will be forever broken.
Perhaps it’s time to revive those, “Clemson to the SEC,” rumors…