Overview

• The ACC will cut its men's basketball conference schedule from 20 to 18 games starting in the 2025-26 season.
• Commissioner Jim Phillips stated the decision stems from a strategic review to address declining NCAA Tournament bids, which fell to four in 2025, the lowest since 2013.
• The adjustment creates two additional nonconference slots, allowing teams to schedule marquee matchups to boost strength of schedule and conference reputation.
• The ACC's move aligns it with the SEC's 18-game format, while the Big Ten and Big 12 continue with 20-game schedules.
• The new scheduling model preserves key rivalries like Duke-North Carolina while rotating other matchups, though some traditional pairings may be missed each season.