CFB insider drops major ACC conference realignment theory, claims ESPN is pushing teams to join Big 12 expansion plans

The ACC continues to deal with internal chaos as the 2024 college football season draws closer. Two of the conference members, Florida State and Clemson, are currently pushing to leave the conference through legal means, creating a level of uncertainty regarding its future

According to college football insider Greg Swaim, ESPN is working toward pushing the top teams in the league to the Big 12. The Seminoles and the Tigers are reportedly discussing with the Big 12 a possible realignment move and Swaim believes the network has a hand in it.

This pretty much creates another outlook on the turmoil ongoing within the conference. ESPN jointly owns the Big 12 television rights alongside Fox. If Swaim's claims are to be believed, pushing the big guns to the conference would suggest that the network is not considering exercising the 10-year option in the ACC media deal.

ESPN teams up with ACC in ongoing legal battle

While Swaim claims ESPN is pushing to see the likes of Florida State and Clemson transition to the Big 12, the network's previous actions do not suggest that. In February, it joined the ACC in the ongoing lawsuit within the conference, filing a complaint against Florida State.

The Attorney General of the State of Florida previously requested a copy of the league’s media contract on behalf of the Seminoles. However, ESPN contends that disclosing the inner workings of their media rights negotiations would be highly damaging to their business.

“Whether FSU and its lawyers have committed a felony by knowingly disclosing ESPN’s trade secrets is a question for another day, but, relevant here, there is no question that trade secrets are carefully guarded throughout the United States, including in Florida,” ESPN stated in their argument.

“The definition of a trade secret under Florida law is substantially similar to that of North Carolina (and California) law, and the terms of ESPN’s agreements plainly qualify.”

Jim Phillips believes ESPN is not going away

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips noted during the Media Days in Charlotte, North Carolina, that ESPN won't be leaving the conference as its television partner. This suggests the network will be taking its 10-year option in 2026.

“Our partnership with ESPN is not going away. It’s not going away. We have talked to them about additional resources and how do we monetize it. We’re 50/50 partners on that,” Phillips said via The Clemson Insider.

“They’re as motivated as we are to generate more revenue for the overall television deal. I’m very optimistic about where we’re going with them. They understand the importance. I’ll just leave it at that.”

While Greg Swaim is confident about his claim on ESPN moving ACC top teams to the Big 12, happenings within the conference haven't suggested that. Nonetheless, it is believed that the network will have a crucial role in the future of the conference in college sports.