Posted on 12/26/2023 11:34:12 AM PST by Jacquerie
Florida State University (FSU) filed a lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on Friday, alleging mismanagement of media rights and imposing excessive exit fees.
The lawsuit specifically challenges the ACC’s Grant of Rights provision and associated exit penalties, which total more than $500 million.
FSU posits that these conditions, which also require forfeiture of media rights through 2036 for leaving the conference, are restrictive and potentially breach contractual obligations.
The university’s decision to pursue legal action follows its exclusion from the College Football Playoffs despite an undefeated season.
FSU additionally raises objections to the ACC’s strategy of expanding its membership by adding The University of California, Berkeley; Southern Methodist University; and Stanford University. The lawsuit argues that the inclusion of these institutions, which FSU perceives as having weaker media rights values, could adversely impact the ACC’s ability to negotiate more lucrative media contracts.
In 2011, the ACC established an initial media rights agreement with ESPN, which was subsequently renegotiated in 2012 to include ‘Tier I’ cash payments for nationally broadcast football games through 2027, with ACC members each receiving approximately $33 million annually.
However, instead of seeking better terms in 2027, FSU maintains, the ACC granted ESPN the right to extend their contract until 2036 without additional compensation provisions, concurrent to ESPN securing shorter, more valuable deals with other conferences, leading to a significant revenue gap.
(Excerpt) Read more at thecapitolist.com ...
Where do think they’re going to go?
Years ago, Fla State had the opportunity to join the SEC - several times (way before SC and Ark joined) but Bobby Bowden didn't want to risk getting whipped on a regular basis, so he prevented it. I guess maybe they regret it now.
Never bite the bosses hand.
The way the NCAA’s stupid conference groupings are going, the PAC-10 would be the perfect conference for a Florida team. Maybe the University of Hawaii could join the English Premier League while we’re at it. :-O
Didn’t know that. Had to look it up. Thanks.
On top of all that, they are making the Florida State drop the name Seminoles.
From now on, they will be known as the Florida State Karens.
I hear there’s room in the Australian Rules Football League
The way the NCAA’s stupid conference groupings are going, the PAC-10 would be the perfect conference for a Florida team.
Except it is now the PAC 2.
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