Is FSU Leaving the ACC? Su to Big Ten Know About ACC Rumors
by Swetha P
Updated Aug 02, 2023
Is FSU Leaving the ACC?
Florida State University (FSU) is reportedly considering a move to exit the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Recent rumors suggest that the university is actively working on a plan to negotiate a $300 million buyout to leave the conference, making it the most expensive conference exit in college sports history. The payment will be made in installments of $30 million annually over ten years.
While this is a substantial amount, the focus for FSU is on the potential benefits of joining a new conference. The two most likely options for FSU are the Big Ten and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Both conferences offer significant financial incentives. In the Big Ten, each team is expected to receive $70 million annually from the new media deal, and the SEC distributed approximately $50 million to its teams in the last fiscal year, which is expected to grow to nearly $70 million with a new TV deal starting in 2024.
This means that FSU could potentially earn more than double what it will pay the ACC each year if they secure a move to either the Big Ten or the SEC. The decision to leave the ACC opens up a pathway for other teams to explore similar moves, but the high cost of the buyout may limit the number of teams that can afford to do so. Despite the potential financial gains, the move would undoubtedly have significant implications for the ACC and its future.
Su to Big Ten Know About ACC Rumors
Florida State's potential move to the Big Ten or the SEC has been a subject of ongoing speculation in the college sports world. The university's leadership, including President Richard McCollough and Director of Athletics Michael Alford, has not kept the plan a secret, expressing their displeasure with the ACC's revenue-sharing plan. They have been vocal about their desire to explore realignment options to ensure FSU remains competitive in college sports.
While the Florida State Board of Trustees recently called a meeting, the agenda did not include any discussion about athletics or leaving the ACC. However, the timing of the meeting has fueled speculation, as teams wishing to leave the ACC within the next year must submit a written notification by August 15.
Rumors are swirling that the Big Ten plans to add Florida State and Clemson from the ACC, along with Washington and Oregon from the Pac-12, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Similarly, the SEC has reportedly expressed contentment with 16 teams after the addition of Texas and Oklahoma. These potential changes in conference alignments highlight the ongoing waves of expansion and realignment in college sports.
The Financial Implications of FSU's Decision
Florida State's potential departure from the ACC raises questions about the financial implications of such a move. The reported $300 million buyout to leave the conference is a considerable investment for the university, but it is driven by the potential financial benefits of joining the Big Ten or the SEC. The new media deals in both the Big Ten and the SEC promise substantial revenue for member teams.
The Big Ten's media deal is expected to provide each team with $70 million annually, while the SEC's deal is projected to reach nearly $70 million per team. This could result in FSU earning more than double what it pays to the ACC each year, providing the program with long-term financial stability.
However, the move also raises concerns about the ACC's future and the possibility of other teams seeking similar realignment opportunities. While the reported seven current members exploring a move may be evaluating the strength of the ACC's current agreement, the high cost of buyouts may limit the number of teams that can afford to make such a significant change.
The Impact of Conference Realignment on College Athletics
Conference realignment has become a significant phenomenon in college sports, with institutions continually searching for ways to improve their athletic programs and financial stability. The dynamic nature of college athletics means that universities are often exploring opportunities to switch to more lucrative conferences or participate in conference expansions.
The motivations behind conference realignment vary, from seeking higher revenues through television deals to aligning with more competitive teams. Such moves can have far-reaching effects on college sports, reshaping rivalries, altering geographic alignments, and impacting the balance of power in different conferences.
However, conference realignment also brings challenges, including logistical issues, potential disruptions to traditional rivalries, and the need for universities to adapt to new competitive environments. Despite these challenges, conference realignment offers the promise of increased exposure, revenue generation, and enhanced competitiveness, which continually drives institutions to explore new opportunities for growth and success.
Is FSU Leaving the ACC? - FAQs
The decision is not yet official, but rumors suggest that Florida State is considering a move to either the Big Ten or the SEC.
Florida State is unhappy with the ACC's revenue-sharing plan and is seeking more lucrative opportunities offered by other conferences.
Florida State is reportedly negotiating a $300 million buyout to leave the ACC.
The Big Ten and SEC offer significant media deals that could result in FSU earning more than double what it pays to the ACC each year.
If successful, FSU's exit could create a pathway for other teams to explore realignment, potentially affecting the ACC's stability.