ACC ranks third among Power Conferences in revenue as Big Ten, SEC remain atop

USA Today

18-05-2025

ACC ranks third among Power Conferences in revenue as Big Ten, SEC remain atop
The ACC reported $711.4 million in revenue for the 2024 fiscal year, marking the third-highest total among the Power Four conferences. On average, the league distributed roughly $45 million to each full member institution — a figure that still trails behind its top-tier competitors. The SEC distributed $52.6 million per school, while the Big Ten led the way by sending as much as $63.2 million to each of its 12 longest-standing members, according to data released this week.
Though the ACC's overall revenue remained nearly flat compared to 2023 — when it brought in $706.7 million — its legal costs rose significantly due to ongoing disputes and litigation. The conference reported $12.3 million in outside legal expenses this fiscal year, up from $7.2 million a year ago. Much of that spike was driven by membership-related legal battles with Florida State and Clemson, as well as the conference's involvement in the broader House v. NCAA antitrust case.
The heightened legal activity has fueled speculation around the ACC's long-term stability. Both Clemson and Florida State have filed lawsuits challenging the league's Grant of Rights, threatening the cohesion of a conference that's already under financial pressure to keep pace with the SEC and Big Ten.
Looking ahead, however, there's optimism for growth. The additions of Stanford, Cal, and SMU — which become full members in the 2025 fiscal year — are expected to boost the ACC's revenue. It will also be the first year the conference introduces performance-based revenue incentives, rewarding schools for postseason success in football and both men's and women's basketball.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips addressed the state of the league and the broader college landscape, urging for a cooling-off period after several years of constant change.
'I just think you've got to settle down,' Phillips told reporters. 'I think college athletics needs to settle down, not just the ACC. I think we've positioned ourselves for that. The chaos and constant wondering of what's happening here or there, that distracts from the business at hand. I feel good about where we're at, and while I do take things one day at a time, I think there's a period of time where let's settle in and get things done.'
Here's how the major conferences stacked up in per-school revenue distribution for the 2024 fiscal year:
Big Ten: $63.2 million to its longest-standing 12 members
$63.2 million to its longest-standing 12 members SEC: $52.6 million per school
$52.6 million per school ACC: Between $43.1 and $46.4 million per full member (excluding Notre Dame, which received $20.7 million)
Between $43.1 and $46.4 million per full member (excluding Notre Dame, which received $20.7 million) Big 12: Between $37.8 million and $42.1 million per school
As conference realignment, lawsuits, and revenue gaps continue to shape the landscape, the ACC finds itself at a crossroads — working to maintain stability while trying to position itself for a stronger financial future.
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