After a prolonged period of maneuvering, Florida State initiated its departure from the ACC on Friday, following dissatisfaction stemming from a College Football Playoff snub earlier in the month. The university voted to sue the ACC over the grant of rights, alleging restraint of trade, breach of contract, and failure to perform due to years of mismanagement. This, Florida State contends, has resulted in a 'deteriorating' media rights agreement and 'draconian' withdrawal penalties.
The lawsuit estimates a staggering $572 million cost for Florida State to exit the ACC without a legal victory or settlement. The legal action challenges the grant of rights, a document signed by ACC members transferring media rights ownership to the conference until 2036. The school argues that the grant of rights, coupled with the exit fee, imposes unreasonable restraints of trade in Florida.
The move by Florida State has put the ACC in uncharted territory, with many uncertainties about potential legal outcomes and the broader impact on the conference. As the first school to challenge a grant of rights agreement in court, Florida State's decision prompts questions about the future of the ACC and the dynamics of college football realignment. The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, and various possibilities, including mediation, settlement, or a protracted legal battle, are on the horizon.
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