The ACC is reportedly negotiating with ESPN to create an ACC Network.

Say what you want about the potential conflicts of interest between ESPN and the SEC, but the launch of the SEC Network was a major milestone for the Southeastern Conference. And now that the SEC has joined the Pac-12 and Big 10 with their own television network, the ACC is going to need one too, just to keep up.

The powers that be in the ACC are undoubtedly aware of that. After all, the ACC added Syracuse and Pittsburgh to the conference a few years ago in the hope of establishing a foothold in the New York and Pennsylvania media markets.

Since then, there have been some hints that the ACC would pursue an arrangement with ESPN to create a network similar to the SEC’s. Back in April, CBS Sports reported that the ACC had been conducting market research to determine if such a network would be viable. In that analysis, CBS Sports came across this interesting tidbit:

“If it is determined that an ACC Network can be a success, ESPN has indicated it will do a deal on the same terms and conditions as it has with the SEC on the SEC Network.”

But updates on the possibility of an ACC Network have been scarce since then. At least, they were, until AP reporter Gary Fineout tweeted this on Friday morning.

FSU AD Stan Wilcox tells #FSU trustees that ACC is in “negotiations” with ESPN to create ACC network. “It will happen,” he says — Gary Fineout (@fineout) November 21, 2014

If this is the case, and the creation of an ACC Network is only a matter of time now, then it is great news for the ACC and all of its member schools. Hopefully more details will be released some time in the near future.