ACC is as strong as ever

While many national pundits have taken their shots at the Atlantic Coast Conference over the last few years, calling it "weak", "soft" and a "cupcake" league, when you look at the facts that is simply not the case

.CHARLOTTE— While many national pundits have taken their shots at the Atlantic Coast Conference over the last few years, calling it "weak", "soft" and a "cupcake" league, when you look at the facts that is simply not the case.

Wednesday, the commissioner of the ACC, John Swofford, took to the stage at the ACC Kickoff to offer a scathing, and factual, rebuke of anyone who views the league as second-tier.

In fact, Swofford opened his press conference by naming off some of the accomplishments of the league.

"The ACC has won seven national championships in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball since 2015," Swofford said. "That is the most of any conference and the next closest conference has four. The ACC is the only conference to win each of those four titles over that stretch. The ACC's seven national titles in those sports have come from six different programs – Virginia men’s basketball (2019), Clemson football (2018, 2016), Notre Dame women’s basketball (2018), North Carolina men’s basketball (2017), Duke men’s basketball (2015), Virginia baseball (2015).

"The ACC has won more football national titles than any other conference since 2013 (three of the last six) and more men’s basketball national championships than any other league since 2015 (three of the last five)."

Additionally, the conference is set to launch their first ever, 24/7, dedicated network Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.— bringing them into a world of additional revenue and exposure that few thought possible five years ago. 

"At launch, we fully expect to be exactly where we projected internally, if not a bit ahead," Swofford said. "Any additional deals that are negotiated earlier than what we might expect in years two and three will be icing on the cake, obviously welcomed. Certainly some of those could happen. Beyond distribution, there's so many opportunities in having a 24/7 dedicated network. As we just saw, the quality of this network will be outstanding and uniquely ours. It will provide a platform for our current players, programs and schools, as well as highlighting the rich history surrounding the individuals that have made the league what it is today.

"As mentioned, one of the things about this that I'm most excited about is that it's a great storytelling opportunity. The stories that can be told about this league and its history, the people and the teams that have made it what it is today, are extraordinary, and you fully expect those stories will be extraordinary going forward, as well."

The league has the defending national champions, Clemson Tigers— who will be featured prominently in the league's original programming—making it a near-perfect marriage and start to the inaugural season.

"I don't think you can even measure it. It has meant a great deal, there's no question about that," Swofford said. "The fact that we've had, from a football perspective, a team every year of the College Football Playoff in its first few years, that says a lot. The fact that Clemson has won two of the last three national championships, timing couldn't be better from a business standpoint and from a network standpoint. But any time you have a team that's doing what Clemson is doing in college football, it's good for the entire league, and certainly good for this network launch, without question.

"Great timing from a Clemson standpoint. Great timing, as I earlier reviewed the last five, six years, that kind of competitive success, as I said, it just simply good for business."

The 2018 Clemson football team became the first in major college football history to amass a 15-0 record following decisive victories over Notre Dame (30-3) and Alabama (44-16) in the College Football Playoff, giving the Tigers their second national title in three seasons. 

The 30-minute special, Greatest Ever: The 2018 Clemson Tigers, follows Clemson’s journey through the College Football Playoff Semifinal and Championship games with never before seen footage and interviews with the Clemson coaching staff.