TheInsider
Well-known member
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How ya think they'd work around that ACC buyout? Also, I'm assuming SEC? If so, I would imagine UF and USC would have something to say about that......
I'm not sure how they plan on fighting this thing. It's why I didn't originally believe this was a real thing. But there's just too much chatter to ignore now IMO. I don't read the chatter as FSU saying they want either the SEC or the Big Ten. But they're saying the current ACC contract is not going to work for them.
The interesting thing about this is that it's a war between the networks. ESPN/Disney vs. FOX (and CBS/NBC to a lesser extent).
ESPN has the ACC/SEC
FOX has the Big Ten
They're currently sharing the Big 12 (although ESPN has a greater share)
A number of ACC schools are upset with their current deal and are not happy that ESPN is paying the SEC significantly more than them. FSU and Clemson bring a lot of value to ESPN and are being paid half as much as less valuable properties in the SEC. Of course this discontent existed before but it's being accelerated by the new deals of the Big Ten/SEC and CFP expansion.
I think some people would be surprised how much FOX sports would be willing to do to acquire some major brands in the south east. Remember, demographic trends show Florida, Georgia and Texas are the states that are growing in population and economically. FOX wants those brands but ESPN/Disney has largely shut them out. If they see an opportunity to acquire FSU/Clemson, I think they would be willing to do a lot to help make that happen legally. On top of that, killing the ACC might be the straw the breaks Notre Dame's back and forces them into the Big Ten. The Big Ten potentially adding FSU, Clemson and Notre Dame brings FOX a lot of value. Do the benefits outweigh the enormous costs? Maybe
That's the big challenge right now for ESPN. How do you make those valuable properties in the ACC happy?
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