Pete Bevacqua said that Notre Dame feels "very strongly" about its relationship with the ACC and Commissioner Jim PhillipsGetty Images
Notre Dame first-year AD Pete Bevacqua said that the school's “desire to remain independent is constant,” as leadership feels “as secure as ever” in its football status, according to Heather Dinich of ESPN.com. Bevacqua cited “multiple reasons” for the athletic department's continued sense of security. He said that the university's most recent television deal with NBC, its partnership with the ACC for all other sports except hockey, and the new College Football Playoff deal “all provide financial security.” Starting in 2026, Notre Dame is “expected to get more than” $12M from CFP revenue distribution, which is “in the same ballpark” as ACC schools and Big 12 schools. Sources told ESPN that “there will also be” a $6M financial incentive for any independent team that reaches the CFP -- “what should typically be a source of additional revenue for the Irish because Notre Dame has access protections built into the new CFP contract that will survive regardless of whether the ultimate format includes 12 or 14 teams.” With the ACC entangled in lawsuits with Clemson and Florida State, Bevacqua said that Notre Dame feels "very strongly" about its relationship with the ACC and Commissioner Jim Phillips. Notre Dame is the “most valuable property remaining” but Bevacqua said that “it's fundamentally important to Notre Dame to stay independent in football” because it has allowed the school to “position itself as a national university as it relates to football” (ESPN.com, 3/28).
