Clemson AD talks conference realignment, future of ACC

On3 imageby:Matt Connolly09/08/22

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Clemson is one of the founding members of the ACC, but with the league falling significantly behind the SEC and Big Ten in TV revenue, there has been talk that Clemson could try to leave and land elsewhere.

Conference realignment has been a hot topic in recent months, and Tigers Athletics Director Graham Neff was asked about it Thursday afternoon.

“Certainly the changing landscape and therefore the finances of it has never been more dynamic. We’re incredibly fortunate to have President [Jim] Clements — for as well read and connected as he is within the athletics space — to help lead us and recognize that,” Neff said. “The uncertainty of it is, as I said – never been more dynamic. My job is to always position Clemson the best we can.”

The ACC’s current TV deal was signed in 2016 and lasts until 2036.

In theory, it was meant to ensure that all schools in the ACC were well-positioned and locked in with the conference.

However, while ACC schools have been receiving less than $40 million in TV revenue annually, Big Ten schools are expected to receive more than double that after the conference agreed to a seven-year, $7 billion deal with Fox this summer.

The ACC is now left searching for ways to bring in more revenue for its schools so that they don’t get left behind financially.

“My job is to focus on Clemson and make sure that we’re as well positioned and well read for the long term. And so we continue to focus there,” Neff said. “With that being said, the work and the support within the ACC has been strong. Commissioner [Jim] Phillips has led well, been incredibly transparent and everything is on the table, to quote the commissioner, about strategies.”

The grant of rights is the biggest obstacle for Clemson to leave the ACC.

If Clemson does leave the ACC for the SEC or Big Ten, the ACC would still receive Clemson’s TV revenue due to the grant of rights contract.

Neff was asked if the university has looked into ways to try to get out of the contract.

“We’ve certainly looked at it, just by way of our association with the ACC – not with that intent necessarily, but to understand what the parameters are. And particularly the grant of rights being a stability strength of the ACC,” Neff said.

“There’s a lot of really good value and opportunity with the grant of rights. And so that binds us. There’s a lot to be said for that, and I think it allows the ACC to operate from a position of strength related to membership affiliations and revenue opportunities or TV negotiations, etc. So again, we’re making sure to always focus and position Clemson as best we can.”