Conference realignment: What is ACC exit fees for UNC if they join SEC? Closer look at latest report

The North Carolina Tar Heels could be looking to leave the ACC and join the SEC, according to reports.

Inside Carolina‘s Adam Smith reported that UNC is "among several schools interested in seeking a potential departure from the ACC," and they are looking at the SEC as a potential destination. Smith claims UNC is at the front of the pack, along with Clemson, looking to leave the ACC.

If UNC does leave the ACC, the goal is to land with the SEC, but it may not come for multiple years due to the exit fee. According to the report, the ACC’s exit fees drop from $93 million in 2029-30 to a flat $75 million beginning with the 2030-31 academic year, which could serve as the year UNC leaves.

In total, the league’s exit fees are as follows:

2025-26: $165 million
2026-27: $147 million
2027-28: $129 million
2028-29: $111 million
2029-30: $93 million
2030-31: $75 million
2031-32: $75 million
2032-33: $75 million
2033-34: $75 million
2034-35: $75 million
2035-36: $75 million

However, Smith reports that UNC could leave sooner than expected, but the 2030-31 academic years seem like the most likely outcome.

ACC commissioner confident UNC, other schools will remain

Despite UNC, Clemson, and Florida State being unhappy with the ACC, commissioner Jim Phillips is confident he will keep his conference together.

Phillips believes the schools are looking for exits, but the commissioner thinks they will remain in the ACC.

"I knew what the Clemson and Florida State people were saying because they communicated it to the entire group about their desire to be in the ACC," Phillips said Tuesday. "And I believe them, I really do. I have a responsibility to make sure that our ACC schools want to be in this league, not just have to be in this league, and I think that's important.

"Since we've had that take place in March, I've not felt stronger about this league than I have in the last five months, and I mean that. I'm not just saying that. It's not hyperbole and the rest of that stuff. I really believe it."

For now, the ACC conference remains intact, but for how much longer is to be seen, as top-tier schools could look to jump to the SEC or Big Ten.

About the author

Cole is an NHL, NFL and College Sports reporter at Sportskeeda with over 7 years of experience writing for publications like CBC, USA Today, SMG, BJPENN, Sherdog and SB Nation.

An NHL fan his whole life, Cole played rep hockey in Canada from age 5 until 17 and grew up rooting for Martin St. Louis and the Tampa Bay Lightning. His all-time favorite players are Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, while Jon Cooper is his favorite coach of all time.

Cole attended Sheridan College and received his journalism degree in 2019. After decades of watching and reporting, he considers his knowledge of sports as his primary strength. He ensures that the same story has been reported by at least two reputed reporters before creating it.

Cole enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends and family when not reporting breaking stories. His favorite sports moment is from the 2010 Olympics, when Sidney Crosby scored the golden goal in overtime to beat Team USA for the gold medal.

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Edited by Cole Shelton