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ACC's Jim Phillips Reflects on Seismic Shifts in 5 Years
29 Jan
Summary
- ACC revenue increased 56% without a new TV deal.
- Expanded to Cal, Stanford, and SMU for national footprint.
- Uneven financial distribution rewards top performing schools.
Jim Phillips, in his fifth year as ACC Commissioner, has steered the conference through significant turmoil in college sports. The past five years saw the dismantling of transfer restrictions, direct player payments, and massive conference realignment that reshaped the collegiate landscape.
Under Phillips' leadership, the ACC expanded its footprint by adding Cal, Stanford, and SMU, establishing a coast-to-coast presence across the five most populated U.S. states. This expansion, along with enhanced corporate sponsorships, has driven a 56% revenue increase for the conference, even without a new television deal.
Phillips praised the ACC's move to an uneven financial distribution model, which rewards schools based on athletic and viewership success. This system has encouraged higher investment and competition among member institutions.
The relationship with Notre Dame has also evolved positively, with the university remaining a full member in all sports except football. Phillips views this partnership as mutually beneficial and looks forward to continued collaboration.
Reflecting on the health of ACC football, Phillips pointed to Miami's recent successful run as evidence of the conference's continued strength in the sport. He remains optimistic about the ACC's future, aiming for continued innovation, financial stability, and athletic excellence.
