In a surprising turn of events, Florida State University (FSU) has filed a lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), accusing the conference of years of mismanagement over media rights. The legal dispute comes hot on the heels of FSU's exclusion from the college football playoffs, which the university claims exposed the ACC's long-standing failures. FSU has also expressed dissatisfaction with the ACC's steep withdrawal penalty, which is estimated to cost the university a staggering $570 million.
In a preemptive move, the ACC has countersued FSU, arguing that the university cannot challenge the binding agreement that extends through 2036. The crux of FSU's grievances lies in the issue of revenue, a key factor in conference realignment. The discontent between the university and the conference has been brewing for some time, with FSU contemplating a possible departure from the ACC as early as 2024. However, being left out of the college football playoffs was the final straw that led to FSU's filing.
One important factor in the dispute is the conflicting expiration dates of the grant of rights agreement and the ACC's contract with ESPN. While the grant of rights lasts until 2034, ESPN's current deal with the ACC ends in 2027. If ESPN decides to walk away from the contract, it raises uncertainty about the validity of the grant of rights, as a TV deal is an essential component of such an agreement. Under the grant of rights, the ACC maintains ownership of the media rights instead of individual schools, a response to the departure of Maryland to the Big Ten in 2013.
As the legal battle intensifies, the question now arises: Where will FSU turn if they eventually sever ties with the ACC? Speculation has circled around a possible move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its dominance in college football. However, joining the SEC would mean facing formidable opponents like Alabama, Georgia, and soon, Texas and Oklahoma. FSU must carefully weigh the potential consequences and consider if leaving the ACC for the SEC aligns with their long-term goals.
The timing is particularly interesting as the college football playoffs are set to expand to include 12 teams starting next year. Despite FSU's disappointment at being snubbed this year, winning the ACC championship still positions them as a strong contender for a playoff spot due to their reputation and potential overall ranking.
While FSU's lawsuit against the ACC sheds light on long-standing frustrations, there is a possibility that the university's emotional response may have unintended consequences. Choosing the right path forward is crucial for FSU as they navigate this legal dispute and contemplate their future in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
