When the FSU administration talked publicly about needing more money from the ACC in February 2023, most pundits laughed and made jokes. The ACC "Grant of Rights" is ironclad, and FSU had no leverage.
Who did FSU think they were? They haven't won anything in years is what some pundits spouted in FSU's direction. FSU won its first ACC Title in a decade with an undefeated record later that fall, drawing the best TV viewership among all ACC schools with ease, a "told you so" moment.
An undefeated FSU got snubbed from the College Football Playoff a day later, and it was clear the perception of the ACC was of an inferior conference. FSU filed a lawsuit against the ACC later that month, looking to leave the conference for greener pastures in the B1G or SEC.
The other biggest brand in the conference, Clemson filed a lawsuit shortly thereafter, albeit with a slightly different argument.
FSU and Clemson would get left behind in an arms race to the tune of a 20-30 million dollar gap between them and other schools in those conferences. Neither would be competitive under those circumstances, so ultimately, the lawsuit has always been about remaining competitive among the top programs nationally.
FSU fans were hellbent on leaving the ACC because of its perception. However, the ACC likely getting two guaranteed spots in the 12-team College Football Playoff took SOME pressure off. After all, if you can't finish first or second in an inferior conference, you're not competing for a National Title anyway.
The litigation was going to take forever, likely up to two more years or longer, depending on what the lawyers on both sides were attempting to accomplish. The news broke in late January that FSU would likely settle with the ACC and remain in the conference, and FSU fans jumped to wild conclusions. I said then to be patient, judging a settlement as a win or a loss without details was premature.
Folks jumping to conclusions way too early on this ESPN/ACC news. Gotta learn how much more money they'll receive and if they can get a reduction in penalties for exiting the grant of rights after 2031. Would still be a win instead of not suing and staying until 2036/no more $ pic.twitter.com/7LTJonCLta
— Kelvin Hunt (@khchopchat) January 30, 2025
We potentially know more about those details as news broke on Monday regarding the potential settlement.