The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has unveiled its 2025–26 men’s basketball schedule, introducing a new 18-game conference format that aims to balance tradition with the realities of conference expansion. This restructuring follows the addition of California, Stanford, and SMU to the league in 2024, increasing the number of teams to 18. The revised schedule is designed to maintain competitive integrity while accommodating the logistical challenges posed by a larger conference.Duke Basketball Report+3Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician+3Backing The Pack+3Reddit+3Wikipedia+3Reddit+3Duke Basketball Report+1Duke Basketball Report+1
Under the new format, each team will play 18 conference games per season. This includes two home-and-home series with designated primary partners and one home-and-home series with a rotational “variable partner.” The remaining 14 games will be against different conference teams on a single-game basis, resulting in each team missing one opponent each season. This approach aims to preserve traditional rivalries while ensuring a balanced competition schedule.Duke Basketball Report+2Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician+2Duke Basketball Report+2Duke Basketball Report
The primary partners for each team have been carefully selected to reflect historical rivalries and competitive balance. For instance, Duke will continue its longstanding rivalry with North Carolina, while NC State will maintain its traditional matchups with North Carolina and Wake Forest. These pairings are intended to uphold the rich basketball traditions of the ACC.Wikipedia+1Duke Basketball Report+1
However, the new scheduling format has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that the elimination of certain home-and-home series undermines the competitive balance of the conference. Notably, NC State will not travel to play traditional rivals UNC or Duke, instead hosting all three major Tobacco Road teams. This shift has sparked discussions about the fairness and integrity of the new scheduling model. Duke Basketball Report+4Duke Basketball Report+4Tomahawk Nation+4Duke Basketball Report+2Duke Basketball Report+2Duke Basketball Report+2Backing The Pack+1Duke Basketball Report+1
Furthermore, the expansion of the ACC has introduced challenges related to travel logistics and the dilution of traditional rivalries. The inclusion of teams from the West Coast has necessitated longer travel times, potentially impacting player performance and fan attendance. Additionally, some traditional rivalries have been disrupted, leading to concerns about the preservation of the conference’s rich basketball heritage.Duke Basketball Report+2Duke Basketball Report+2Duke Basketball Report+2
In response to these challenges, some have proposed solutions to maintain the integrity of ACC basketball. One such proposal is the revival of the Big Four Tournament, featuring Duke, UNC, NC State, and Wake Forest. This event would serve as a platform to showcase these traditional rivalries and provide additional opportunities for teams to compete against each other. Incorporating modern elements, such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) incentives for players, could further enhance the appeal and competitiveness of the tournament. Duke Basketball Report
As the 2025–26 season approaches, the ACC’s new scheduling format will be closely scrutinized. While the changes aim to balance tradition with the realities of conference expansion, their impact on competitive balance, fan engagement, and the preservation of rivalries remains to be seen. The coming season will undoubtedly be a pivotal one for ACC men’s basketball, as teams navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the new conference structure.
