ESPN has agreed to pick up its option to continue broadcasting ACC sports through 2036, sources told ESPN on Thursday. The agreement is a critical step toward securing stability for the conference. With the television deal settled,

ACC executives are in the process of formally ratifying the extension of its television contract with ESPN for another nine years, sources tell Yahoo Sports. In a long-expected move, ESPN is exercising the option in its agreement with the league.

ESPN picked up its option to broadcast ACC sports through 2036. The conference reportedly will try to settle lawsuits by Florida State and Clemson.

ESPN has picked up the option on its television deal with the ACC, extending it through 2036, according to a report from ESPN. The TV agreement would have expired in 2027 had ESPN not done so. Now that that’s done,