Report: ACC ‘Expected to Settle’ with Clemson and FSU

Will the ACC stick together?

We may be closer to finding out the answer to that question, according to a new report by ESPN.

According to a report by Andrea Adelson, David Hale and Pete Thamel, Florida State and Clemson will vote on Tuesday regarding numerous lawsuits against the ACC in pursuit of a settlement with the league.

“Florida State and Clemson will vote Tuesday on an agreement that would ultimately result in the settlement of four ongoing lawsuits between the schools and the ACC and a new revenue-distribution strategy that would solidify the conference’s membership for the near future, sources told ESPN on Monday,” the report said.

Boards of directors from Clemson, Florida State, and the ACC will all meet on Tuesday, per the report. Once all three boards agree to the settlement, it will move forward. ESPN stated in the report that “sources throughout the league expect a deal to be reached.”

“This new revenue-distribution model — or “brand initiative” — is based on a five-year rolling average of TV ratings, though some logistics of this formula remain tricky, including how to properly average games on the unrated ACC Network or other subscription channels,” ESPN said. “The brand initiative will be funded through a split in the league’s TV revenue, with 40% distributed evenly among the 14 longstanding members and 60% going toward the brand initiative and distributed based on TV ratings.”

The ACC is led by commissioner Jim Phillips. The league has expanded in recent years amidst the national “conference realignment” movement, adding California, Stanford, and SMU last year. The league currently has 18 members.

See more in the full ESPN report by clicking here.