FSU would owe a hefty exit fee to bolt from the ACC

FSU set to challenge the ACC in the courtroom as they look for a new opportunity.

The Florida State University Board of Trustees were set to meet on Friday morning to discuss legal matters related to Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The Board of Trustees and the university leadership are looking to exit the ACC in search of a better opportunity.

“Today we’ve reached a crossroad in our relationship with the ACC, FSU Trustees chair Peter Collins said. “I believe this board has been left no choice but to challenge the legitimacy of the ACC grant of rights and it’s severe withdrawal penalties.”

The numbers provided during the Zoom meeting show that the exit fee along with fees associated with getting out of the grant of rights are indeed severe. A number that is north of half a billion dollars.

The number makes it virtually impossible to leave the conference but FSU plans on challenging the ACC’s penalties in the court room. The board unanimously approved the legal team to take action on behalf of the university.

Dellenger also reported that they would file a motion in the Tallahassee circuit court on Friday. Should FSU give notice to the ACC of their intention to leave the conference, they wouldn’t leave for a new home until July 1, 2025. Essentially they would remain with the ACC through the 2024 season.

If Florida State does go this route, it is only a matter of time before Clemson, Miami, and North Carolina among others join in on challenging the ACC. We could see another conference go down in the same light as the Pac-12, only this time it will come by challenging the ACC in court.

We will continue to provide updates on the situation.