Last month, during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and Clemson AD Graham Neff's frosty interaction highlighted Clemson and Florida State's legal battle to exit the ACC, challenging the enforceability of their contracts, aiming to depart without hefty exit fees.

By the Numbers
  • The ACC's contract extends to 2036, with significant exit fees exceeding those of other conferences.
  • Filing lawsuits, Florida State and Clemson seek to challenge the binding agreements with the ACC.
Yes, But

While FSU and Clemson aim to break free, potential outcomes might include negotiating new conditions within the ACC or venturing into other conferences like the SEC.

State of Play
  • Clemson and Florida State challenge ACC contracts in court, with the conference countersuing both schools.
  • ESPY wants media contract terms kept private, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality.
What's Next

A legal battle ensues as courts evaluate the validity of the ACC contracts, potentially shaping the future of collegiate sports realignment.

Bottom Line

The lawsuits by Clemson and Florida State against the ACC could lead to a significant shift in conference dynamics, impacting collegiate sports landscapes and contractual obligations.