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.
The Big Ten and SEC view Florida State as problematic because FSU initiated a lawsuit to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference, followed by Clemson. This lawsuit involves ESPN, the major media partner of the Southeastern Conference, and the lawsuit raises the possibility that sensitive television contracts for all of college sports could be exposed to the public.
The FSU lawsuit against the ACC prompted the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 to file an amicus brief to seal media contracts between the ACC and ESPN, claiming that exposing these “trade secrets” could be damaging to all four conferences that have deals with ESPN and other media partners.
The SEC is currently hosting its media days, where the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the conference this season is a major topic. Commissioner Greg Sankey addressed the legal and financial challenges that Florida State and Clemson face in their efforts to leave the ACC. He also dismissed any rumors about potential further expansion, emphasizing that the SEC is focused on its current 16-team lineup.
“We’re focused on our 16. Period,” Sankey said in his press conference during SEC Media Day. “I’m not going to guess about what happens next. We can certainly remain at 16 for a long, long time and be incredibly successful.”
The Big Ten recently expanded by adding four members from the Pac-12: Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington, making it an 18-team coast-to-coast conference. The addition of Florida State and Clemson is not currently being considered, as Commissioner Tony Petitti is not seeking further expansion.
“Tony is staying away from expansion, and we’re taking Tony’s lead,” a source told Action Network. “Why would anyone want to expedite more chaos by adding Florida State?”
One might think that after losing Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, the Big 12 could be a potential landing spot for both Florida State and Clemson. However, this would likely be a lateral move at best for the Seminoles. While they might receive slightly more money, it wouldn’t compare to the financial benefits of joining the Big Ten or SEC.
Additionally, Florida State moving to the same conference as Central Florida would be seen as a total embarrassment to the Seminoles’ national brand, and the boosters would not be pleased. Spending all that money to leave the ACC to join the Knights in the Big 12 is very unlikely to happen.
In the ever-changing landscape of college realignment, Florida State and Clemson might be out of the Big Ten and SEC plans today but could be back in tomorrow. If you’re a fan of the Seminoles or the Tigers, remember that you’re still part of the ACC. Go out and play like the top brands you claim to be. Make it to the College Football Playoffs and contend for a national title—then you can’t be ignored.