Fact Check: Is FSU leaving the ACC?

Is FSU Leaving the ACC?

The claim that Florida State University (FSU) is considering leaving the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has gained traction recently, particularly in light of discussions surrounding revenue distribution and legal disputes. FSU President Rick McCullough has indicated that the university may have to consider such a move unless there is a significant change in the revenue model of the ACC. This situation has sparked speculation and analysis regarding FSU's future in the conference.

What We Know

Revenue Concerns: FSU President Rick McCullough stated that the university would need to consider leaving the ACC unless there is a "radical change to the revenue distribution" model within the conference, which has seen revenue payouts increase in the 2023-24 fiscal year 1.
Legal Actions: FSU has filed a lawsuit against the ACC, seeking to navigate the conference's grant of rights, which ties the broadcasting rights of member schools to the conference until 2036. This legal action is seen as a potential pathway for FSU to exit the ACC 5 6.
Board of Trustees Involvement: The FSU Board of Trustees has reportedly taken steps that could facilitate a departure from the ACC, indicating that discussions about leaving are serious and ongoing 2.
Context of Performance: FSU's performance in college football has also influenced these discussions. Despite an undefeated season in 2023, the team was not selected for the College Football Playoff, leading to increased scrutiny of its position within the ACC 8.
Future Notifications: FSU would need to notify the ACC by August 15, 2024, if it intends to leave in time for the 2025 season, as the deadline for leaving in 2024 has already passed 10.

Analysis

The claim that FSU is considering leaving the ACC is supported by multiple sources, but the situation is complex and involves various factors that must be critically evaluated.

Source Reliability: The Associated Press (AP) is a reputable news organization known for its journalistic standards, making its reporting on FSU's revenue concerns credible 1. However, other sources, such as Bleacher Report and Yahoo Sports, while popular, may have less rigorous editorial standards and could be influenced by sensationalism or bias towards college sports narratives 8 10.
Legal Context: The lawsuit filed by FSU is a significant development, as it indicates a formal step towards exploring exit options. However, the outcome of this legal action is uncertain, and the implications of the grant of rights agreement are complex. Legal experts and sports analysts should be consulted for a deeper understanding of the potential ramifications 5 6.
Potential Bias: Some reports may reflect a bias towards FSU's athletic success or dissatisfaction with the ACC, particularly in light of recent performance issues. This could lead to exaggerated claims about the urgency or likelihood of an exit 4 8.
Conflicting Information: While some sources suggest that FSU is actively pursuing an exit strategy, others indicate that logistical and legal hurdles remain significant. For example, FSU cannot leave before the summer of 2025 due to the current legal and contractual obligations 9.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The assertion that Florida State University is considering leaving the Atlantic Coast Conference is mostly true, as it is supported by credible statements from FSU's leadership and ongoing legal actions. President Rick McCullough's comments about the need for a change in revenue distribution and the involvement of the Board of Trustees indicate that discussions about a potential exit are serious. However, the complexities of the legal landscape, including the grant of rights agreement, introduce significant uncertainties regarding the feasibility and timing of such a departure.

It is important to note that while there is a clear intent from FSU's administration to explore options, the actual process of leaving the ACC is fraught with legal and logistical challenges that could delay or complicate any potential exit. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings will play a critical role in determining FSU's future in the ACC.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the nuances involved in this developing story, as the situation may evolve further with new developments.

Sources

Associated Press News. "FSU will consider leaving the ACC without ...". Link
Tomahawk Nation. "Everything you need to know about FSU's potential ACC exit...". Link
CBS Sports. "If successful, Florida State's latest motion in ACC lawsuit could ...". Link
Tallahassee Democrat. "FSU leaving ACC? Big 10 rumors grow with CFP snub. Here's what we know". Link
Sportskeeda. "Can FSU leave the ACC in 2026 after the latest settlement agreement ...". Link
USA Today. "Florida State reverses ACC exit stance with no conference available". Link
Fox 13 News. "Florida State sues ACC, marking first step towards departure of ...". Link
Bleacher Report. "Report: Florida State Renews Discussions of ACC Departure After 2023 ...". Link
Sports Illustrated. "Florida State to Escalate Search for ACC Exit Options Through Legal ...". Link
Yahoo Sports. "Sources: Florida State expected to soon start process of leaving ACC". Link