The Florida First District Court of Appeal has unanimously ruled in favor of Florida State University (FSU), allowing its lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to proceed. The ruling comes after FSU challenged the ACC's attempt to stay proceedings pending a separate case in North Carolina, claiming the ACC rushed to file its suit to gain strategic advantage. Judge Cooper found that the ACC's arguments for a stay were insufficient, stating it did not show a departure from legal requirements. The FSU Board is seeking a declaratory judgment to clarify financial penalties regarding withdrawal from the ACC, amidst ongoing litigation over the conference's obligations and penalties.

By the Numbers
  • Both FSU and ACC have filed lawsuits in Florida and North Carolina, respectively.
  • The Florida case was filed on December 22, while the ACC's North Carolina suit was filed on December 21.
State of Play
  • FSU's hearing against the ACC is scheduled for Friday.
  • The FSU Board is questioning the enforceability of withdrawal penalties imposed by the ACC.
What's Next

As the litigation proceeds, the outcome of FSU's case may set a precedent affecting how member schools can negotiate exits from their conferences. The court's decision could influence FSU's financial standing and its ability to join a more lucrative conference.

Bottom Line

The appellate court's ruling symbolizes a significant legal victory for FSU, allowing it to challenge conference penalties while seeking clarity on its contractual obligations, highlighting the contentious nature of intercollegiate athletics' governance.