Takeaways From ACC Commissioner Keeping Focus on the Future

Working with eyes on the future — Dominic Ambrose-College Football Dawgs

The Atlantic Coast Conference began its 2024 Kickoff event in Charlotte, N.C. this week, and Commissioner Jim Phillips kicked off the event by delivering some news, some comedy and some insight into where the ACC is and where the conference envisions itself in the future.

Highlighting the accomplishments of the conference's student-athletes and coaches, commissioner Phillips pointed out that the conference has 13 quarterbacks who enter the season with at least 20 touchdowns and 3,500 yards and noted that the ACC has six coaches on the 2024 Dodd Trophy pre-season watchlist. Phillips is keeping his focus on the future.

Pending Legal Matters

When asked about pending legal matters involving the conference and two of its schools, Commissioner Phillips stressed the importance that the conference places on compartmentalization and maintaining the integrity of the product on the field. He stressed the need to take a backseat to the ongoing legal proceedings.

House vs. NCAA settlement

When asked about the recent settlement in the House vs. NCAA lawsuit, specifically about the potential to increase the divide between the haves (Power Four) and the have-nots (Group of 5), Commissioner Phillips said "I believe it is equitable relative to who's playing for that. We've all been part of this association. The idea that it's football only and should be driven by football coaches, I don't agree with that."

He added, "But you're seeing some clear separation. I think there will be choices to be made. That's what we're working through right now with this proposed settlement. There [are] so many steps that affect the long-term future, but you don't know what the future will be until you start to get into it."

Exploration of Revenue Streams

Reporters asked the commissioner about the conference's exploration of revenue generation from outside sources such as private equity and corporate sponsorship. Phillips replied that the conference continuously looks at all revenue-related options and noted that the teams that succeed most on the field will reap greater rewards.

Keeping the Focus on the Future

Commissioner Phillips was asked why he remains optimistic when Florida State and Clemson are seeking to leave the conference. He answered, "This is a really important time for the conference. Either you believe in what has been signed or you don't. We are going to do everything we can to protect and to fight for the league because I see a group of student-athletes there. We now have 12,200 student-athletes." He added, "This conference is bigger than any one school, or schools."

The NIL and Its Growing Divide

On the topic of student-athletes becoming "employees," Phillips said, "I want to just talk about student versus employee and a couple of reasons why I don't believe that's necessary. I'm against it.

Taxation, I don't think parents and families want to be taxed on scholarships, room and board, book, tuition, travel, equipment, health, medical, all of those benefits, right?" It is an interesting stance for a commissioner to take in this ever-changing landscape that is college sports. He stressed that the goal is to continue to provide student-athletes with benefits.

The commissioner made clear that he has a plan for the conference and its continued growth. He indicated the ACC will fight for what it feels is right and for the betterment of the conference.