Report: ACC presidents review plan to shorten grant of rights deal, end litigation with Clemson, Florida State
According to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, ACC presidents have “examined” a proposal to make revenue distribution different in the conference, potentially resolving the dispute with Clemson and Florida State. The two schools are currently suing the ACC in an attempt to leave the conference.
No specifics of the deal have been finalized but Dellenger reports “stability” might come to the ACC if it can be agreed upon. If successful, litigation between Florida State + Clemson against the ACC is expected to come to an end.
“The ACC is exploring a new revenue structure intended to bring an end to the litigation with its two restless members,” Dellenger said in his report. “The conference’s presidents recently examined a proposal that would distribute revenue differently to league members in a move to provide stability and preserve the membership of Florida State and Clemson.
“Nothing is imminent and particulars of the deal remain mostly private, but the structure’s ultimate goal is to resolve a dispute with the Tigers and Seminoles, both suing the conference in an attempt to exit the league.”
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The plan reviewed by ACC leaders would create different pots of revenue distribution based on “media value metrics.” This would not be limited to football, with basketball also potentially being involved. Florida State and Clemson would certainly benefit on the gridiron while the Tobacco Road schools more so on the hardwood.
Another part of the deal would be shortening the ACC Grant of Rights, the deal Florida State and Clemson have been attempting to get out of. As of now, the agreement runs through 2036. Dellenger’s report did not include the year it could be potentially moved to.
It’s early days of a brand new era for the ACC, welcoming three new members this past summer. Cal and Stanford moved over from the Pac-12 while SMU made a jump up in competition from the AAC. None have yet to play a conference game but will in Week 4.
Both West Coast schools are traveling out East over the weekend. Stanford will experience the Carrier Dome for the first time in program history on Friday when they face Syracuse while Cal faces Florida State the following day.
If this deal from ACC presidents can get resolved, we might see those programs share a conference moving forward. More money might be distributed based on results but stability is the best thing they can ask for at the moment.