I mentioned some of this yesterday in another thread. But I talked with Jerry about us posting what we have now. Nobody has offered to talk on the record at this time, from FSU or the ACC. We're also not seeing anything new (yet) from Clemson.
Two sources, one with FSU and another with the ACC, told the Osceola there is no connection between the ACC’s announcement of ESPN’s extension of the media rights contract through 2035-36 and a settlement of FSU and Clemson’s lawsuits with the ACC.
FSU and the ACC have presented their legal arguments in courtrooms in Tallahassee and Charlotte, N.C., back in December 2023, while Clemson has done the same in a Pickens (S.C.) court as well as Charlotte. Legal teams for FSU and the ACC have argued motions before judge John Cooper throughout 2024, and the lawyers are in discovery as they prepare for a March 25 court date in Leon County. Cooper has often pushed the legal teams to use mediation to seek a settlement. FSU officials and those from the ACC did sit down and were not able to settle.
Both sources felt there was no settlement in the cases.
Reports by Yahoo and ESPN earlier in the day Thursday suggested the chance for stakeholders with FSU, Clemson and the ACC to reach a settlement. A vote by the ACC on any settlement would necessitate a vote and agreement by the league’s presidents and chancellors.
The ACC’s presidents and chancellors met virtually this week. It’s not clear what was voted upon or how FSU president Dr. Richard McCullough voted on any matters.
Of note, there is no FSU Board of Trustees meeting until Feb. 27-28.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, the ACC announced the extension as the agreement with ESPN that continues through the 2035-36 academic year.
“We appreciate the ongoing partnership with ESPN and their enduring commitment that further solidifies the ACC as a premier league in all facets,” ACC Commissioner Dr. Jim Phillips said. “The extension showcases the importance of our long-standing relationship, and I want to personally thank the entire ESPN team for their leadership and dedication to our collective future. In addition, I want to thank our ACC Board of Directors who have been involved throughout this entire process. The resolve from both parties to further enhance the partnership through innovation and creativity to continue to drive additional value remains our top priority.”
I realize everyone is looking for an exit from the ACC (sooner rather than later given the fact FSU is tethered through 2036). And all of us would like to see a light at the end of the tunnel with the lawsuits.
Reporting by ESPN.com mentions a 2031 date where the ACC would reduce the financial penalties for a potential departure, whether that's FSU or Clemson or even a North Carolina. Thursday was the first day we had seen a 2031 date reported, something that to me reads as a compromise. But my FSU source hadn't heard about 2031 as part of previous discussion.
Two sources, one with FSU and another with the ACC, told the Osceola there is no connection between the ACC’s announcement of ESPN’s extension of the media rights contract through 2035-36 and a settlement of FSU and Clemson’s lawsuits with the ACC.
FSU and the ACC have presented their legal arguments in courtrooms in Tallahassee and Charlotte, N.C., back in December 2023, while Clemson has done the same in a Pickens (S.C.) court as well as Charlotte. Legal teams for FSU and the ACC have argued motions before judge John Cooper throughout 2024, and the lawyers are in discovery as they prepare for a March 25 court date in Leon County. Cooper has often pushed the legal teams to use mediation to seek a settlement. FSU officials and those from the ACC did sit down and were not able to settle.
Both sources felt there was no settlement in the cases.
Reports by Yahoo and ESPN earlier in the day Thursday suggested the chance for stakeholders with FSU, Clemson and the ACC to reach a settlement. A vote by the ACC on any settlement would necessitate a vote and agreement by the league’s presidents and chancellors.
The ACC’s presidents and chancellors met virtually this week. It’s not clear what was voted upon or how FSU president Dr. Richard McCullough voted on any matters.
Of note, there is no FSU Board of Trustees meeting until Feb. 27-28.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, the ACC announced the extension as the agreement with ESPN that continues through the 2035-36 academic year.
“We appreciate the ongoing partnership with ESPN and their enduring commitment that further solidifies the ACC as a premier league in all facets,” ACC Commissioner Dr. Jim Phillips said. “The extension showcases the importance of our long-standing relationship, and I want to personally thank the entire ESPN team for their leadership and dedication to our collective future. In addition, I want to thank our ACC Board of Directors who have been involved throughout this entire process. The resolve from both parties to further enhance the partnership through innovation and creativity to continue to drive additional value remains our top priority.”
I realize everyone is looking for an exit from the ACC (sooner rather than later given the fact FSU is tethered through 2036). And all of us would like to see a light at the end of the tunnel with the lawsuits.
Reporting by ESPN.com mentions a 2031 date where the ACC would reduce the financial penalties for a potential departure, whether that's FSU or Clemson or even a North Carolina. Thursday was the first day we had seen a 2031 date reported, something that to me reads as a compromise. But my FSU source hadn't heard about 2031 as part of previous discussion.
