The tension between the journalistic side and the business side is not something unique to ESPN. Look at how what happens on shows like American Idol, Survivor and Dancing with the Stars is often a 'news' story.
The article summarizes what I thought happened all along between the ACC and ESPN. No plots or conspiracies hatched in the dark of night but rather a discourse between business partners as in a discussion of what combination of two new schools would maximize revenue for the ACC. Simple and sensible, no looking for a furtive figure on a grassy knoll required.