Florida State and Clemson received unfavorable news from Action Network today regarding their potential inclusion in the Big Ten or SEC. However, before delving into that, it’s important to understand why these two conferences might not be enthusiastic about welcoming the Seminoles and the Tigers.
Considering that Florida State and Clemson have taken the ACC to court to contest the league’s early exit fee, there has been speculation that either school would join one of those two conferences if a settlement permitted such a move. Both institutions are dissatisfied with the ACC’s agreement with ESPN, which extends through 2036 and pays each school approximately $32 million annually—significantly less than the earnings of Big Ten or SEC schools under their new television contracts.
The legal battles have undergone multiple hearings, with Florida State and Clemson recently securing a victory in court. Nevertheless, the case is far from concluded, and its outcome will significantly affect the schools’ athletic futures. Additionally, ESPN has joined the fray, backing the ACC and expressing concerns over the disclosure of trade secrets.
Tuesday, Brett McMurphy of the Action Network reported that neither the Big Ten nor the SEC is interested in inviting Florida State or Clemson to join their conferences. This aligns with information from my contacts in both conferences, who also do not see value in adding these two ACC members.
McMurphy’s report highlights that presidents from three SEC schools and a source within the Big Ten have expressed no interest in adding FSU to their conferences. One individual criticized FSU, stating, “They’re not a good partner,” and pointed to the school’s approach in its lawsuit against the ACC as a reason.
