re: ND refusing a bowl game could cost ESPN $30-35M in revenue

quote:

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Do I think the ACC pressured ESPN to shilling for them to ensure they get a team in the playoffs to preserve their reputation and the minimum $4m payout? Yes.

Do I think that the ACC rep on the committee and ESPN reps contacted the committee members to pressure them to include an ACC team over ND? Also yes.

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ESPN just picked up their 2036 option with the ACC this year, they had to defend that decision. At this point the ACC GOR's strength seems tied to that deal, and so if the house of cards falls down ESPN might lose access to teams like Miami (I could see them going to B1G).