As Florida State and Clemson’s lawsuits against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) continue to unfold, a significant external factor has emerged that could reshape the cases: the ongoing dispute between DirecTV and Disney/ESPN.
The outcome of this corporate standoff may have direct consequences for the legal battle between the ACC and its two premier schools. The conflict, centered on subscription fees that ESPN charges cable providers, is poised to influence ESPN’s decision on whether to renew the ACC’s media deal beyond 2027.
Florida State, Clemson, and the ACC are awaiting an answer to the question: “Does it still make financial sense for ESPN to continue the ACC’s contract as is?