The Marriage is Final: FSU and the ACC together til death do them part

by Bob Ferrante

We’ve known for a year now that Florida State president Dr. Eric Barron was tying the university to the ACC. The infamous letter where he criticized the academics of the Big 12 was the strongest indication.

And credit Dr. Barron for not backing down since. He’s pledged his commitment to the ACC repeatedly despite boosters and alumni that have pushed for the SEC or Big 12.

Monday’s decision to sign over each school’s TV rights – a grant of rights through 2026-27 – further reinforces that FSU is tied to the ACC for the long term. No matter what happens with Maryland’s court challenge of the $50 million buyout to leave the conference, the ACC schools aren’t going anywhere. The wild, wild West that was conference expansion won’t be much of a Twitter or sports talk radio topic anymore.

To make this extraordinary move, the schools have reportedly received a concession – more money. That amount is likely $20 million annually beginning July 1, according to CBS Sports. If each school receives $20 million, that would be an increase of about $3 million annually.

Where will the ACC get the extra money? The league of course is exploring the creation of its own “ACC channel,” according to a league source. Often called an “ACC network,” it will be different from the entity that broadcasts games through a deal with Raycom. This will be a standalone channel, likely run by ESPN through a deal with the ACC (just as the B1G Ten Network is tied to Fox Sports).

"The added resources coming to the ACC schools will have a significant impact on the success of our athletic programs,” Barron said. “We are also very pleased that we will be moving forward on the next phase of developing an ACC network. The vote of the ACC presidents will ensure that the conference will strengthen its position of leadership among Division I athletics."

There are many questions left unanswered on Monday. When will the channel debut? It’s one thing to say, reportedly, that $20 million is coming to schools beginning in July, but it’s one thing to deliver. How will it happen?

Will the channel be picked up by enough cable and satellite providers within the ACC’s footprint? The B1G Ten Network has had problems adding providers within Maryland and New Jersey. The Longhorn Network was a challenge to sell to cable companies.

What role will Notre Dame play in this deal? The school has a new deal with NBC and NBC Sports Network, but that’s separate. Notre Dame signed the deal – along with Louisville, which joins in 2014. Is Notre Dame earning a share at $20 million but still making money from NBC?

The deal is short on details. We’re left with too many questions at this point. But it strengthens the ACC for the long term and brings in more money to FSU, which is much needed for an athletic department that needs a cash infusion to fund its ambitious long-term projects (such as the remodeling of the Civic Center).