Could ESPN opt Out of ACC TV Deal?

CHARLOTTE – As ACC Media Days kicked off this week, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips stated the conference’s continued relationship with ESPN “has never been stronger.”

“We are collectively focused on working together for the long-term future,” he said.

As for that long-term future, the ACC’s contract with ESPN runs through 2036, though ESPN has the ability to opt out of the TV deal with the ACC by February.

In response to a question regarding the opt-out deadline, Phillips said the ACC’s “partnership with ESPN is not going away.”

“We have a great relationship. I’m not just saying that,” Phillips said. “We have a great relationship with ESPN and the ACC Network, all the rest of that. We’ve had significant positive discussions and progress on one component of the contract.

“Our partnership with ESPN is not going away. It’s not going away. We have talked to them about additional resources and how do we monetize it. We’re 50/50 partners on that. They’re as motivated as we are to generate more revenue for the overall television deal. I’m very optimistic about where we’re going with them. They understand the importance.”

Phillips also discussed the ACC-ESPN deal as it relates to the ACC’s kickoff times, when asked about the league’s exposure with primetime games in comparison to the SEC.

“We have talked about time, situating the ACC in really good spots both on ABC and the ESPN channels, as well as our own network,” Phillips said. “I feel good about it as we look into the season. I feel good about what I’ve seen in the month of September where we’re going to be.

“But they understand fully. I also know our teams are going to play well. When you play well, you get rewarded.”

–Photo courtesy Nell Redmond/ACC