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Saturday, October 31, 2026Oct 31

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ACC faces many variables on TV channel to rival SEC, Big Ten

FILE - In this July 20, 2015, file photo, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford makes remarks during the ACC NCAA college football kickoff in Pinehurst, N.C. The Atlantic Coast Conference is still figuring out whether it will start a dedicated cable channel of its own. Details have been scarce about the behind-the-scenes process the league and broadcast partner ESPN are navigating in an effort to determine whether it makes financial sense to start an ACC-specific channel like the ones some other conferences have. League Commissioner John Swofford has even joked about the process, “I know you’re very tired of hearing me talk and not say much on that subject.” (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)
FILE - In this July 20, 2015, file photo, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford makes remarks during the ACC NCAA college football kickoff in Pinehurst, N.C. The Atlantic Coast Conference is still figuring out whether it will start a dedicated cable channel of its own. Details have been scarce about the behind-the-scenes process the league and broadcast partner ESPN are navigating in an effort to determine whether it makes financial sense to start an ACC-specific channel like the ones some other conferences have. League Commissioner John Swofford has even joked about the process, “I know you’re very tired of hearing me talk and not say much on that subject.” (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File) FILE - In this July 20, 2015, file photo, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford makes remarks during the ACC NCAA college football kickoff in Pinehurst, N.C. The Atlantic Coast Conference is still figuring out whether it will start a dedicated cable channel of its own. Details have been scarce about the behind-the-scenes process the league and broadcast partner ESPN are navigating in an effort to determine whether it makes financial sense to start an ACC-specific channel like the ones some other conferences have. League Commissioner John Swofford has even joked about the process, “I know you’re very tired of hearing me talk and not say much on that subject.” (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

The Atlantic Coast Conference is still figuring out whether it will start a dedicated cable channel of its own.

Details have been scarce about the behind-the-scenes process the league and broadcast partner ESPN are navigating in an effort to determine whether it makes financial sense to start an ACC-specific channel like the ones some other conferences have.

League Commissioner John Swofford has even joked about the situation, “I know you’re very tired of hearing me talk and not say much on that subject.”

The possibility excites ACC coaches and athletic directors who say they want the league’s ultimate decision – whatever it is – to be a prudent one.

Virginia AD Craig Littlepage says he’s optimistic about an ACC channel but adds there are many variables that must be considered.