That seems a bit less likely with Monday’s revelation from David Glenn, a syndicated radio host in North Carolina, who reported the 15 current ACC members are about to announce a grant of rights deal that will secure them to the league to the end of their current ESPN television deal, which expires in 2026-27. The ACC confirmed the agreement.
"This announcement further highlights the continued solidarity and commitment by our member institutions," said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. "The Council of Presidents has shown tremendous leadership in insuring the ACC is extremely well positioned with unlimited potential."
In a grant of rights deal—which the members of the Big 12 used to save their league—members turn over their media rights to the conference. Those funds are then are disbursed to the membership. If a university that agreed to such a deal were to accept membership in another conference, the ACC would receive its media rights payments from the new league.
Glenn reported the current ACC members agreed unanimously to the deal. Previously they had put in place a $50 million exit fee. Maryland, which is exiting for membership in the Big Ten, currently is challenging that in court.
David Teel of the Newport News Daily Press reported the GOR proposal was distributed to members roughly a month ago for consideration.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-footba ... cincinnati" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The ACC is considering a network of its own
The Big Ten has one, the Pac-12 has one, and the SEC is working on getting one of its own. Could the ACC become the next conference to have its own television network? Apparently the conference is wondering if that's the answer to its financial situation.
According to SportsBusiness Journal, the ACC and its athletic directors are considering the idea.
While its media rights are tied up with ESPN for the next 15 years, that hasn't stopped the conference from beginning the process of deciding whether such a channel is feasible. It hasn't had formal talks with ESPN, which would have to play a big role in any ACC channel since the network controls the league's rights.
But ACC Commissioner John Swofford has quietly been exploring a branded channel and began floating the idea for it in the fall, around the time that Notre Dame joined the league in all sports but football. The Fighting Irish have committed to play five ACC opponents in football each season, but it will maintain its independence
http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootbal ... of-its-own" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;