ESPN has agreed to pick up its option for the television right to the ACC through 2036 The Clemson Insider has confirmed.

The television network had until February 1 to pick up the option on the 20-year deal that was signed in 2016. It was the deal that helped launch the ACC Network. Had ESPN declined to pick up the option, the deal would have come to an end after the 2027 season.

With the option now picked up, the ACC can work on settlements with Clemson and Florida State in their ongoing lawsuits. The league has been in litigation with both schools for more than a year, with both schools filing suits in their home states challenging the ACC grant of Rights. The conference countersued both schools.

Clemson and Florida State have argued that the ACC television contract, which earns the conference significantly less than the SEC and Big 10, puts the schools at a distinct financial disadvantage compared with rivals in those two conferences.