The ACC dodged a bullet by not expanding to include Cal and Stanford, thanks in part to the opposition from North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina, which prevented a potentially disastrous outcome. Meanwhile, the renovation of PNC Arena is a win for the Hurricanes, the city, and the county, with a $2 billion development planned for the area. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips will likely focus on the 75th anniversary of the tournament, with potential new sites including Greensboro, Charlotte, Washington D.C., Brooklyn, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Boston. [... more]

The Carolina Panthers' preseason performance has raised concerns about effort, with coach Frank Reich expecting improvement against the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Florida State's plans to leave the ACC have been met with skepticism, as the team's grant of rights agreement with ESPN makes it difficult to exit the conference. In other news, the Carolina Hurricanes have signed a 20-year lease extension at PNC Arena, with plans for significant upgrades and a new sportsbook. College football conference realignment continues to be a topic of discussion, with the ACC's contract running through 2036 and the potential for a super conference in the future. [... more]

The US Women's World Cup team advances to the final round, defeating England 2-1. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes re-sign Sebastian Aho, sending a message to the NHL that they won't be pushed around financially. The Charlotte Hornets, on the other hand, face a tough situation after losing Kemba Walker, with some considering them the worst team in the NBA. In college basketball, the ACC's big four teams, including North Carolina, Duke, and Wake Forest, continue to draw casual fans, while the Hurricanes and Hornets struggle to develop a loyal following. [... more]