College basketball programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) have been paying the price this week.
First, the North Carolina Tar Heels were fined $50,000 after storming the court in an upset win over the Duke Blue Devils. On Thursday, the ACC handed down another $50,000 fine, this time to the Miami Hurricanes for storming the court in Tuesday’s win over the North Carolina Tar Heels.
UNC beats Duke on Saturday, court storm — first $50,000 fine from the ACC for basketball.
— Conor O'Neill (@ConorONeill_DI) February 12, 2026
Miami beats UNC on Tuesday, court storm — second $50,000 fine from the ACC for basketball.
Miami's next game is … at N.C. State on Saturday 👀 pic.twitter.com/wSoLFimoEp
North Carolina defeated Duke 71-68 on Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C., although Tar Heels fans stormed the court early and had to go back after more time was added to the clock.
Just days later, North Carolina lost to Miami 75-66 at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fla. That resulted in Miami fans storming the court, prompting the fine from the ACC due to violating the league’s event security policy.
Hurricanes fans storm the court after Miami upsets UNC. pic.twitter.com/uMs8L7woJu
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) February 11, 2026
The official release from the ACC states that the “conference’s event security policy is designed to protect the safety and well-being of all student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans.”
According to the ACC policy, the next offense for Miami or North Carolina will lead to a $100,000 fine.
