Charlotte, NC, October 8, 2025
News Summary
The Atlantic Coast Conference has unveiled significant updates for the basketball season, including the relocation of the Women’s Basketball Tournament to Atlanta, new player availability reports, field storming fines, and a shift to an 18-game league schedule. These changes aim to improve the competitiveness of the conference amidst recent challenges in NCAA tournaments, as new coaching hires also raise expectations for upcoming seasons.
Charlotte – The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has announced significant changes ahead of the 2025 basketball season, potentially impacting both the NC State men’s and women’s teams. These updates were outlined by ACC commissioner Jim Phillips during a press conference at the ACC Tipoff event.
The basketball seasons for both men’s and women’s teams are set to commence in just over a month. Among the most notable changes is the relocation of the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament, which will take place in Atlanta for the first time in 49 years. This shift means that NC State’s women’s basketball team, under head coach Wes Moore, will need to qualify for the tournament away from their traditional North Carolina base.
Another pivotal change involves player availability reports, which were initially slated to begin with the 2025 football season. This requirement will now extend to ACC basketball programs as well. Additionally, the conference will impose new fines related to field storming during basketball events, reflecting a stricter approach to maintaining order during games.
Moreover, the ACC will adopt an 18-game league schedule, marking a reduction in the number of regular-season games for the first time in several years. This change is expected to affect traditional rivalries, with the NC State men’s basketball team facing Duke and North Carolina only once at home instead of the previous two games.
The ACC has faced challenges in recent NCAA tournaments, with only four teams representing the conference last March. Phillips emphasized that the conference is encountering an “access problem” regarding teams qualifying for the NCAA tournament, rather than an issue with the performance level of the teams. In response, the ACC is focusing on enhancing nonconference scheduling flexibility alongside the reduction to 18 league games, hoping to improve overall competitiveness.
New coaching appointments within the conference have also raised expectations for the upcoming season. Notable hires include Will Wade at NC State, Ryan Odom at Virginia, and Jai Lucas at Miami. The teams located in the Triangle area, which includes Duke, North Carolina, and NC State, are anticipated to boast top-25 caliber rosters this season.
Additionally, Louisville has taken strides to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, contributing to a pool of potential NCAA tournament contenders. The ACC is proactive in addressing the challenges faced by its basketball programs and highlights the necessity for alignment and investment across all athletic departments to restore its reputation as the premier college basketball conference.
Summary of Key Changes
- ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament: Held in Atlanta for the first time in 49 years.
- Player Availability Reports: Now applicable to ACC basketball programs.
- Field Storming Fines: New fines implemented during basketball events.
- League Schedule: Transition to an 18-game schedule, affecting traditional rivalries.
- Coaching Changes: New coaches appointed in multiple programs, raising competitiveness.
- Access Problem: Emphasis on improving NCAA tournament access rather than performance issues.
Background Context
The ACC has seen a decline in its performance in NCAA tournaments over the past few years, prompting the implementation of these changes to revitalize its brand and improve results. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, these adjustments aim not only to address historical issues but also to position the conference for future success.
FAQ
What major change will occur regarding the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament?
The ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament will be held outside of North Carolina for the first time in 49 years, moving to Atlanta.
What is the new conference schedule format?
The conference will adopt an 18-game league schedule, reducing the number of games for the first time in several years.
How will player availability reports change for ACC basketball teams?
Player availability reports, previously set for the 2025 football season, will now also apply to ACC basketball programs.
What challenges has the ACC faced in recent NCAA tournaments?
The ACC has faced a decline in performance, with only four teams making the tournament last March, highlighting an “access problem” rather than a performance problem.
Who are some of the new coaches in the ACC for the upcoming season?
The ACC has appointed new, promising coaches across multiple programs like Will Wade at NC State, Ryan Odom at Virginia, and Jai Lucas at Miami.
Chart of Key Features
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Women’s Basketball Tournament Location | First time held outside of North Carolina, now in Atlanta. |
| Player Availability Reports | Now applicable to basketball programs. |
| New Field Storming Fines | Fines introduced for basketball events. |
| League Schedule | Adopting an 18-game schedule, affecting rivalry games. |
| Coaching Changes | New coaches expected to enhance competitiveness. |
| Access Problem | Focus on improving NCAA tournament qualification. |
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: Jim Phillips Discusses ACC Changes
- Wikipedia: ACC Men’s Basketball
- RamblinWreck.com: ACC Tipoff Rewind
- Google Search: ACC Basketball 2025
- Charlotte Observer: ACC Basketball Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- ESPN Press Room: ACC Network Coverage
- Google News: ACC Basketball Changes
- ACC: Basketball Tipoff Attendees Announced
- HokieSports: Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball
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