Judge orders FSU, ACC to mediation to settle suit
Apr 22, 2024, 04:46 PM ET TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– A Tallahassee judge has actually bought Florida State and the Atlantic Coast Conference to get in mediation in hopes of settling a prominent suit that could dramatically impact the future of the league.Judge John C. Cooper technically authorized the ACC’s motion to dismiss Monday but gave FSU seven days to amend its complaint since the university needs more uniqueness relating to essential facts in a case he stated”is worth as much as half a billion dollars. “The conference would have 20 days to respond afterward, and another hearing would be set.” The case is not over,”Cooper said.
“The case will continue. “Cooper bought the sides to
start mediation within 120 days. However a conciliator can not require an agreement, so the case might wind up back in court.”I send out every case to mediation other than home loan foreclosures,”Cooper stated.”This is not being done any differently. “The Seminoles are pushing to leave the ACC and explore a more financially rewarding landing area, potentially the Big Ten Conference.Editor’s Picks 1 Related The hearing Monday was the latest in dueling suits lodged in December. They include back-and-forth arguments referring to jurisdiction, an extremely safeguarded grant-of-rights contract between member schools and the league, and a private TV deal in between the ACC and ESPN.The ACC wants the case heard in Charlotte, where the league is headquartered, and does not want the broadcasting agreement revealed. Florida State wants to move the location to Tallahassee and prefers the documents be unsealed for financial transparency.FSU had been signifying discontent for a year about the ACC falling even more behind the Big Ten and the Southeastern Conference in payouts even while generating
record revenues.The ACC’s earnings increased to nearly$617 million throughout the 2021-22 season, with an average distribution of almost$39.5 million per school for complete members. Still, that leaves ACC schools receiving
about$10 million a year less than SEC schools although ESPN is partnered with both leagues in broadcast deals.Clemson, another ACC school, has actually signed up with FSU in challenging the ACC’s right to charge hundreds of countless dollars to leave the conference.Clemson’s complaint submitted in South Carolina stated the ACC’s”outrageous$ 140 million “exit penalty and the grant of rights used to
bind schools to a conference through their media rights must be struck down.Neither Clemson nor Florida State has filed official notification to withdraw from the ACC.