Does Clemson-Notre Dame Series Have Additional Financial Implications?
The Clemson–Notre Dame football series has evolved into a marquee matchup in college football, attracting national attention and significant financial implications for both programs and their respective conferences.
The 2020 double-overtime thriller between Clemson and Notre Dame drew an average of 10.067 million viewers on NBC, marking the network’s highest-rated Notre Dame telecast since 2005 . This high viewership translates into substantial advertising revenue, benefiting both Notre Dame and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Notre Dame’s exclusive broadcasting agreement with NBC, valued at approximately $15 million per year, allows the university to retain full control over its home game broadcasts . When high-profile teams like Clemson visit, the game’s national appeal enhances the value of these broadcasts, leading to increased revenue for both institutions.
While Notre Dame maintains its independence, it has agreements with the ACC for scheduling purposes. In the 2020–21 fiscal year, the ACC reported a record revenue of $578.3 million, with an average distribution of $36.1 million per school . Notre Dame’s participation in the conference for that season contributed to this increase, highlighting the financial benefits of high-profile matchups like the Clemson–Notre Dame series.
Additionally, the ACC’s revenue-sharing model ensures that all member schools benefit from the conference’s collective success. High-profile games involving Notre Dame, such as those against Clemson, elevate the conference’s profile and, by extension, its financial standing.
Looking ahead, the Clemson–Notre Dame series is poised to continue generating significant financial benefits. The scheduling of future games between these two programs ensures sustained national interest and viewership, leading to continued revenue from broadcasting rights and associated advertising.
Moreover, the success of these games can influence future scheduling decisions, with both programs and their conferences seeking to replicate the financial success of these high-profile matchups.
The Clemson–Notre Dame football series is more than just a competitive rivalry; it is a significant financial asset for both institutions and their conferences. Through high viewership, lucrative broadcasting agreements, and enhanced conference revenues, this series underscores the economic impact of marquee college football matchups.
