July 12 looms as the next big court date between Clemson University and the Atlantic Coast Conference, but a judge’s decision in Charlotte might provide clarity before then.
At stake is the heart of Clemson’s endeavors to leave the ACC—under the Grant of Rights, the league claims that it owns all of Clemson’s media rights until 2036, that Clemson entered into the agreement willfully, and that an exit fee of $140 million would be due should the Tigers leave the conference.
Clemson is asking for a declaration that the ACC only owns its broadcast rights for games played while the school is a member of the ACC and that granting the league Clemson's rights for the entirety of the ESPN deal — that 2036 date — is not "necessary" to fulfill its obligations in the contract.