Atlantic Coast Conference leaders are in discussions about a potential new revenue-sharing system that could resolve legal disputes with schools like Florida State and Clemson. The proposed changes would reward schools based on their value to television partners, rather than on-field success. This comes after Florida State sued the ACC in December, claiming the conference’s exit fees and penalties were unfair. Clemson also filed a lawsuit against the ACC, leading to a series of legal battles between the schools and the conference. The ACC is considering new revenue-sharing alternatives that could appease disgruntled members and potentially keep Florida State and Clemson in the conference. While both schools have expressed interest in leaving the ACC for more lucrative conferences like the Big Ten or SEC, legal challenges could take years to resolve. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips stated that schools should be held accountable for agreements they willingly signed. The ACC is currently locked into a television contract with ESPN through 2036, which Florida State argues puts them at a financial disadvantage compared to other conferences. The potential changes to the revenue-sharing model are being discussed internally and with Florida State, but a final resolution is not imminent. The ACC’s efforts to find a compromise could determine the future of conference realignment and the competitive landscape of college sports.
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