FSU and Clemson Decide to Remain in ACC

Clemson University and Florida State University (FSU) are embroiled in a legal dispute with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) over the league's grant of rights agreement, which restricts their ability to pursue membership in other conferences. The deadline for notifying the ACC of their intent to withdraw was August 15, but no announcements are expected from either school before that date. The ongoing mediation is not anticipated to yield a resolution, leaving both institutions to navigate their legal challenges as the 2024 football season approaches. FSU's legal action, initiated in December 2023, seeks a court ruling to recognize its notice of withdrawal as effective from August 14, 2023, contingent on the grant of rights being deemed illegal or unenforceable. Despite the protracted legal proceedings, FSU has yet to formally submit its withdrawal. The situation has created significant disruption within the ACC, overshadowing the achievements of student-athletes and the conference as a whole. The financial implications of the grant of rights are substantial, particularly with the new College Football Playoff contract set to begin in 2026, which will see SEC and Big Ten schools earning approximately $21 million annually, compared to the ACC's $13 million. Both FSU and Clemson have aspirations for national championships, making their current predicament increasingly untenable. As the legal battles continue, the ACC maintains that both schools were fully aware of the terms they agreed to. FSU's legal team estimates that without a favorable court ruling, the cost for the school to exit the ACC could reach $572 million. The next significant court hearing is scheduled for September 11, when the ACC will appeal in Florida.