Clemson's imminent departure represents a significant indication that the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is following a trajectory reminiscent of the Pac-12. While the ACC has a media rights agreement with ESPN until 2036, it includes a provision allowing renegotiation if the conference's membership falls below 15 teams.
Currently, the ACC generates an estimated $39.4 million per team annually, and this figure would substantially decrease in the absence of the Clemson Tigers.
In 2024, the ACC expanded to 17 teams by welcoming the Stanford Cardinal, California Golden Bears, and SMU Mustangs. Should Clemson exit, the conference may appear less attractive, with its premier teams seeking more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
This situation places the ACC in a challenging position, as Commissioner Jim Phillips is likely to encounter difficulties retaining teams once an exit strategy has been established. Clemson has found its way out, potentially paving the path for other schools like the Florida State Seminoles and North Carolina Tar Heels to explore options for increased revenue and prestige elsewhere.
The conference now faces the ongoing threat of needing to continually search for expansion teams, eroding the stability required for engaging competition. This development is concerning for the ACC, as other Power Five conferences may also attempt to poach programs in a similar manner.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Nutrafol
Take the first step to visibly thicker, healthier hair. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com/men and enter the promo code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. 
DoorDash
Get fifty percent off your first DoorDash order up to a twenty-dollar value when you use code lockedoncollege at checkout. Limited time offer, terms apply.
Jase Medical
Save more than $360 by getting these lifesaving antibiotics with Jase Medical plus an additional $20 off by using code LOCKEDON at checkout on jasemedical.com.
Athletic Brewing
Go to AthleticBrewing.com and enter code LOCKEDON to get 15% off your first online order or find a store near you! Athletic Brewing. Milford, CT and San Diego, CA. Near Beer.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Make Every Moment More. Right now, NEW customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get TWO HUNDRED in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices