RANT SPORTS – The ACC-ESPN extension is step one in saving the conference

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and ESPN have officially agreed to a media contract extension until 2036. The primary objective is to maintain the unity of the ACC and resolve the lawsuits involving Clemson and Florida State University (FSU).

To no one’s surprise, ESPN extended the deal that was set to expire on February 1. The extension binds ESPN and the ACC together until 2036.

According to an ESPN report, the ACC board of directors voted to approve the extension on Wednesday night. The ACC is now working towards a settlement with Florida State and Clemson to end both schools’ lawsuits against the conference.

FSU has been engaged in a legal dispute with the conference since December 2023, focusing on media rights and the exit fee the school would be required to pay if it chose to leave the conference.

The plan to keep Clemson, FSU, Miami, and UNC happy

The ACC, along with Florida State University and Clemson University, has been engaged in discussions regarding a new revenue distribution model since September. The extension of the television contract could expedite settlement negotiations and lead to a restructuring of revenue sharing, potentially resulting in both FSU and Clemson withdrawing their lawsuits against the conference.

A crucial aspect of the new agreement is that a portion of the ACC’s TV revenue will be allocated to a “brand” fund, according to multiple reports, including ESPN. This fund be distributed to schools that generate the most revenue annually for the conference in football and men’s and women’s basketball. Florida State and Clemson are expected to withdraw their lawsuits if the agreement is finalized.

The ACC is negotiating an agreement with its members to allocate a percentage of the conference’s television revenue to a “brand” fund, which would be distributed to the schools that generate the most revenue for the conference, likely based on metrics such as TV ratings. This initiative aims to reward Clemson, FSU, Miami, and UNC for their capacity to generate substantial revenue for the ACC.

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The Notre Dame factor

Another provision involves the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The recent national runners-up have an agreement to play several games against ACC members each season. ESPN and the ACC will now seek to leverage this partnership with the Fighting Irish.

The goal would be for Notre Dame to play more games against FSU, Miami, Clemson, and North Carolina. It makes sense because of the TV ratings. The Irish had some epic battles in the 1980s and ’90s against both Miami and FSU.

These battles would also benefit the Irish who could see their partial share of the football revenue increase.

The end game

ESPN gets cost certaninty with the extension with the ACC and it makes sure the conference remains viable. As for FSU, Clemson, Miami and North Carolina they stay where they are and quit shopping for the SEC or the Big Ten.

Just for clairity none of the four were going to be invited anywhere anytime soon. Does that conference realighnment

RANT SPORTS – Mark Halsey Speaks About the State of the Game

Rant Sports is your go-to destination for all things Premier League, and this week, we’re bringing you an exclusive interview with one of the most respected referees in English football history. Mark Halsey, a former FIFA-listed official and Premier League mainstay, sat down with the We All Follow Podcast on Thursday to discuss the state of refereeing in modern football.

With over a decade of experience officiating in England’s top flight, Halsey has been at the center of some of the most high-profile matches in Premier League history. His insight into the evolution of refereeing, the implementation of VAR, and the growing scrutiny on officials will provide invaluable perspective for fans who want to understand the challenges referees face in today’s game.

Halsey’s Legacy in the Premier League

Mark Halsey’s name is synonymous with top-tier English football officiating. Having refereed in the Premier League from 1999 to 2013, he was widely regarded as one of the most consistent and fair officials in the game. His ability to manage matches with authority and composure set him apart in an era when referees were under increasing pressure to make split-second decisions.

Halsey officiated some of the biggest games in England, from fiery Manchester derbies to crucial title-deciding clashes. His vast experience, including his time as a FIFA referee, gives him a unique perspective on how the role of a referee has evolved with the introduction of new technologies like VAR and changes in officiating philosophy.

At Rant Sports, we’re committed to bringing you the best coverage of the Premier League every week, and this exclusive conversation with Halsey will be the first in a series of deep dives into officiating, tactics, and controversies surrounding the English top flight.

The State of Refereeing in the Modern Game

There is no denying that refereeing has become one of the most debated aspects of the modern game. From controversial VAR decisions to inconsistencies in applying the laws of football, fans, players, and managers alike have voiced their frustrations. Halsey gave his unfiltered thoughts on these issues, shedding light on the pressures referees face, the impact of fan and media scrutiny, and what improvements he believes should be made to enhance officiating standards.

One of the key talking points will be whether VAR is helping or hindering the game. While technology was introduced to eliminate clear and obvious errors, it has instead sparked countless debates over marginal calls and subjective interpretations. Halsey’s take on VAR’s effectiveness and how it can be better utilized will be a must-read for any Premier League fan.

We All Follow Podcast and Expert Analysis

In addition to our exclusive sit-down with Halsey, make sure to check out the We All Follow Podcast on YouTube, hosted by Matt Fox and featuring guest contributors like Nigel Bratton, Sean Miller, and Ben Mattinson. This podcast is another fantastic resource for passionate Premier League discussions, offering weekly debates, analysis, and expert insights into the beautiful game.

At Rant Sports, we don’t just cover the latest scores and transfer rumors—we dive deep into the most pressing issues shaping the sport. With stories dropping every week, we’ll be breaking down key takeaways from our interview with Halsey and analyzing how officiating trends are shaping the Premier League’s future.

Stay Tuned for More Premier League Action on Rant Sports and the We All Follow Podcast

If you’re looking for the best coverage of the Premier League, Rant Sports is your home for weekly analysis, expert opinions, and exclusive interviews. With Mark Halsey leading the discussion this week, expect plenty of follow-up stories covering every angle of our conversation.

From the latest referee controversies to tactical breakdowns and club-focused analysis, the We All Follow Podcast–which can be seen here on Rant Sports– delivers unmatched Premier League content. Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Mark Halsey and stay with us for more in-depth stories as the season unfolds.

Check out Rant Sports for all your Premier League action, and be sure to follow We All Follow Podcast for even more top-tier football content. The conversation starts here!

The event in June, 2026.

You have to wonder what FIFA, the governing body of international football or soccer, is going to do with its crown jewel event, the 2026 Men’s World Cup that is scheduled to be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Once upon a time, not too long ago, FIFA officials were probably dreaming of American greenbacks, Canadian loonies and Mexican pesos flowing into the business. Now FIFA is staring at an economic mess because of the trade wars that have erupted in North America. On April 10^th, 2017, the United States, Canada and Mexico announced that the three countries would bid for the 2026 World Cup and President Donald Trump expressed support for the bid. FIFA waived its no co-hosting rule and awarded the event to the united bid on June 13^th, 2018.

As of now, there are sixteen cities or markets hosting 2026 World Cup matches. Mexico will get three contests,  while Canada gets two, one in Toronto, which is the economic capital of Canada, and one in Vancouver, which is Canada’s gateway to Asia. Eleven American cities will host contests, Santa Clara, California, Los Angeles, Seattle, Arlington, Texas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Foxboro, Massachusetts, Miami, Philadelphia and the championship game scheduled for East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19^th, 2026. FIFA has navigated through the Qatar Men’s World Cup and has awarded the 2034 Men’s World Cup to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but has not faced a situation before where one of the host countries has started a trade war against its two nation partners. FIFA is not the one sports entity that is dealing with the trade war. The National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League all have business in Canada. The trade war will impact sports.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

FIFA President Gianni Infantino