The ACC has approved a recommendation to delay all fall sports until Sept. 1, according to sources. The move, which follows a similar decision by the Patriot League, will impact several sports, including soccer and field hockey, but not football.
According to sources, the league said impacted games may be rescheduled and there’s an understanding that cancellation of non-conference games will not result in financial penalties.
The ACC’s decision to delay the start of the fall season is the first by a Power 5 conference. The Patriot League has pushed its start back until Sept. 4, while the Ivy League announced the cancelation of all fall sports earlier this week.
The ACC’s football schedule is set to begin on Sept. 2 when NC State visits Louisville.
An official release on the decision is expected Thursday.
Earlier this week, North Carolina paused its voluntary athletics workouts after a breakout of Covid-19 within its programs, including a football shutdown that will last at least one week. Louisville’s basketball program announced similar plans, too. Clemson football has also been significantly impacted by the virus, with 47 members of the athletics department — staff and players — testing positive since returning to campus, including 37 on the football team.