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Clemson and Florida State are not happy with their current situation in the ACC. So much so, that both are now involved in lawsuits as they pursue avenues of exiting.
They’ll now have the task of finding a way out of a Grant of Rights agreement that ties them to the league for another decade. The ACC is going to make that as difficult as possible as it doesn’t want to lose two of its biggest brands.
And it looks like they’re bringing the big guns with them!
The unhappiness stems from the conference’s media deal with ESPN that runs through 2036. While it seemed like a good idea to lock in a long-term agreement at the time of signing, it’s turned out to be restrictive in terms of revenue opportunities.
As others sign billion-dollar deals with major networks, ACC affiliates have had to sit back and helplessly watch.
With Clemson and Florida State, two of college football’s powers, set to make less than the likes of Vanderbilt and Rutgers due to that conference affiliation, tensions have grown.
Florida State voiced its concern early following a College Football Playoff omission, prompting the ACC to beat them to the punch by suing first.
In order to avoid making the same mistake, Clemson kept things quiet before striking. This provided a homefield advantage of sorts during the legal battle.
The ACC will have ESPN’s support while battling Clemson and Florida State.
With teams taking action in hopes of moving onto more lucrative conferences, the ACC is getting the backing of their major network.
Do not expect a mass exodus of schools from @theACC . @espn wants the conference to stay together and despite law suits from @FSUFootball & @ClemsonFB the network has joined the ACC in court. Some day FSU & Clemson might find a way out but don’t look for ESPN to help.
— Jim Williams (@JWMediaDC) March 21, 2024
It makes sense for ESPN as it wants to do all it can to keep FSU and Clemson in the league, receiving the benefit of viewership at a low price.
It seems the universities are taking the approach of calling the current exit fee restrictive and unfair.
The ACC’s fee is reportedly $140M, compared to around $40M for the SEC and $0 for the B1G.
Clemson contends that the ACC’s exit fee – $140 million – is absurdly high compared to other conferences and goes on to list the other exit fees. pic.twitter.com/a8I6hLcojE
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) March 19, 2024
It will be interesting to see how it plays out in court as the end result will have a major impact on conference realignment. The ACC is doing all it can to keep Clemson and Florida State put.