• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 12, 2026

ACC Ponders Next Move Amid Shakeups, Media Rights Battle 

  • The ACC will soon be making less TV money than the Big 12, as well as the Big Ten and SEC.
  • Florida State is mulling its options to stay ahead of the game financially.
Syndication: Tallahassee Democrat

While the Pac-12 struggles to survive the defection of five more teams, the ACC’s most influential schools are pondering how they can remain competitive in the increasingly consolidated landscape of college sports.

Before the wheels fell off the Pac-12’s wagon on Friday afternoon, the ACC was scheduled to meet that evening to discuss its own expansion plans, according to Yahoo Sports. A “coast to coast” idea included the possibility of adding as many as seven Pac-12 schools. 

Florida State has particularly been making noise, and its power brokers are clearly worried about the school’s future. 

The ACC is locked into a media rights deal with ESPN that pays the conference just $240 million a year through 2036 — which will be fourth behind the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 in 2025. The Seminoles have also begun working with JP Morgan to explore institutional investment.

Chain Reactions

Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney said he isn’t surprised by the moves and expects even larger conferences in the future — as well as a bigger College Football Playoff, which is already expanding to 12 teams next season. 

“Eventually we’re going to have … 40, 50, 54 teams (in a league), something like that — and it’s going to be a 14- or 16-team playoff,” he said.

Michigan regent Jordan Acker called the Big Ten’s addition of Oregon and Washington “utterly indefensible on any other grounds” but TV money, blaming the NCAA for not having college sports “under control.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack JROTC does the National Anthem before dribbles the first half of the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lenovo Center.

NCAA Refuses Settlement Talks in Athlete Employment Lawsuit

The NCAA and defendant schools have tried several times to get the case thrown out.

ESPN Takes Over MLB.TV As New Rights Deal Kicks In

The Disney-owned outlet is distributing the league’s out-of-market package.
Dec 20, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; The mascot of the Nebraska Cornhuskers performs during a break in the game against the Queens Royals in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
exclusive

Nebraska Is Second Known School With Athletes Investigated Over NIL Deals

The CSC has launched several inquiries into potential NIL rules violations.

Featured Today

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.
February 6, 2026

Milan’s Olympic Village Is Built for Performance—and Partying

Making Milan’s Olympic Village was a five-year sprint.
February 5, 2026

Welcome to the Prediction-Market Super Bowl

Hundreds of millions of dollars are being traded across many platforms.
Feb 1, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots players arrive prior to Super Bowl LX at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
February 3, 2026

Private Equity Has Reached the Super Bowl

The Patriots are one of four NFL teams with PE investment.

Kansas Says ‘No Inside Information’ After Odd Darryn Peterson Scratch

Kansas knocked off No. 1 Arizona without Peterson on Monday.
February 9, 2026

Judge Rules Against Charles Bediako, Leaving Ex-Pro Ineligible Again

Bediako played five games for Alabama this year.
Oct 9, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Pittsburgh head coach Tory Verdi during ACC Media Days at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown.
February 10, 2026

Former Players Sue Pitt, Women’s Basketball Coach, Alleging Abuse

Six individual suits allege a pattern of “emotional and psychological abuse.”
Sponsored

From AUSL to Women’s Hoops: Jon Patricof on Building Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
North Dakota State Bison wide receiver Jackson Williams (18) gets tackled on the sideline while playing against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.
February 9, 2026

North Dakota State to Join Mountain West As Football Member in 2026

The Bison have finalized a deal to jump to the FBS level.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) warms up before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mullett Arena.
February 6, 2026

Penn State Hockey Star Gavin McKenna Dodges Felony Assault Charge

The top 2026 NHL draft prospect was charged earlier this week.
Jan 24, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama center Charles Bediako (14) warms up before the SEC basketball game against Tennessee at Coleman Coliseum. Bediako was reinstated to play college basketball after winning a legal battle.
February 6, 2026

Even With Bediako Win, a New Precedent Could Still Be Far Off

“If he wins, it’s not a decision that other state courts would be bound to follow.”
Feb 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) drives to the basket against DePaul Blue Demons guard Kate Novik (33) during the first half at Wintrust Arena.
February 5, 2026

College Basketball Ratings Are Soaring Across All Networks

Average viewership for men’s games on Fox is up 69% this season.