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Florida State has been eager to leave the ACC. The Seminoles are upset with revenue distribution within the league, believing their brand to be more valuable than those of other league members.
Unfortunately, a media rights agreement with ESPN that runs through 2036 has largely tied the conference’s hands. The ACC can’t negotiate a more lucrative contract for the next decade-plus.
Florida State turned up the heat by waging a legal war against the league this offseason, with their omission from the College Football Playoff being the straw that broke the camel’s back. Despite posting a perfect 13-0 record, the ACC champs were left out of the field for one-loss SEC squad Alabama.
Did the weakness of the league play a role in the omission? Was there a push by ESPN to include the SEC over the ACC?
The ‘Noles believe so, which they say cost them millions in potential revenue.
While a number of FSU supporters backed the program’s exit, it seems it could have a negative effect on potential landing spots.
The SEC and Big 10 are reportedly turned off by Florida State’s ‘disruptive’ antics.
College football insider Brett McMurphy wrote about the feelings of the sport’s two top conferences when it comes to FSU.
Big Ten, SEC unlikely to add Florida State if it leaves ACC & ACC survives, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Big Ten & SEC don’t want FSU because adding FSU doesn’t make financial sense, no desire to expand & “they’ve been a disruptive partner,” sources said
-Brett McMurphy // X: @Brett_McMurphy
McMurphy says the SEC and Big 10 are unlikely to look at the Seminoles due to their being a “disruptive partner.”
For the SEC, it goes a step further as it already boasts Sunshine State program Florida, meaning adding the ‘Noles wouldn’t add a new market.
Commissioner Greg Sankey echoed those sentiments on Monday at the league’s media day event.
“I certainly don’t spend any time engaged in recruiting activity, because we’re focused on our 16,” he said.
After adding Texas and Oklahoma, the SEC further solidified its standing as college football’s top conference. At the moment, it doesn’t appear to have interest in Florida State.
Should the SEC and Big 10 say, “Thanks, but no thanks,” it could leave the Big 12 as the Seminoles’ best option – assuming they’re successful in leaving the ACC.