Charlotte watches for ACC’s next move amid college sports realignment

CHARLOTTE — A tidal wave is coming in college athletics. With USC and UCLA heading to the Big 10, many are watching to see what the fallout will be for the ACC, which could in turn impact Charlotte.

“I think we would describe it as a whirlwind,” said Erik Spanberg, a sports business reporter for the Charlotte Business Journal. “There’s a lot on the line for Charlotte.”

The Atlantic Coast Conference has a huge footprint in Charlotte. The ACC football championship is under contract through 2030 at Bank of America Stadium. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl annually features an ACC team against either the Big 10 or SEC. Spectrum Center and Truist Field have also hosted conference championships.

The ACC is also searching for a new headquarters right now are Charlotte is regarded as a favorite to land it. The state budget sitting on Governor Roy Cooper’s desk provides $15 million to keep the ACC in North Carolina. Its current headquarters is in Greensboro.

“People out there who may say, ‘Look I know the ACC has these binding contracts, schools can’t leave, contracts are meant to be broken’ -- with all of the money flying around with those big conferences, it probably would not be impossible for them to find a way to go elsewhere if that’s what they want to do,” Spanberg said.

College football fan Marcus Evans has attended the ACC Championship in Charlotte and says he hopes the conference stays strong and has a big impact in the Queen City for years to come.

“I think it would be real sad if we lose this,” he said.

College football insider Brett McMurphy of Action Network reports the SEC could be interested in North Carolina, Clemson, Virginia and Florida State.

(WATCH BELOW: ACC Championship game held in Charlotte to have limited fans)