ESPN picks up option to continue broadcasting ACC sports through 2036

ESPN has agreed to exercise its option to continue broadcasting Atlantic Coast Conference sporting events through 2036, the network reported.

ESPN had until Feb. 1 to exercise the option on a 20-year contract signed in 2016. Had the network not agreed to it, the partnership would have ended after the 2027 season. With the contract with ESPN broadcasting rights now completed, the ACC reportedly will work toward a settlement with Clemson and Florida State to potentially end lawsuits against the conference.

According to the ESPN report, the ACC board of directors approved the proposal on Wednesday. The conference is working to create more marquee matchups in football and men's basketball to maximize the content shown on ESPN networks. This could help pave the way for a new revenue distribution model to appease Clemson and FSU.

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The report adds that Notre Dame could also play more games against top-tier ACC teams to create more marquee games.

Florida State's Board of Trustees voted to sue the ACC on Dec. 22, 2023, following the Seminoles' College Football Playoff snub over the media rights deal. The goal was to potentially leave the conference without paying the hefty exit fee. At a Board of Trustees meeting in August 2023, FSU said it wanted an exit plan from the ACC by August 2024. By December 2024, FSU athletic director Mike Alford told USA TODAY's Matt Hayes, "We never said we wanted to leave the league."

Clemson followed suit with its own lawsuit in March 2023. The ACC countersued both schools.

This story has been updated with additional information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ESPN extends ACC broadcast rights deal through 2036