FSU vs ACC lawsuit: 3 takeaways from latest court hearing over $140 million exit fees controversy

The Florida State Seminoles have been dealing with a legal issue against the Atlantic Coast Conference. The school is trying to leave the conference without needing to pay the Grant of Rights on top of the $140 million exit fee, which makes the combined total sit at $574 million.

Let's take a deeper dive into the FSU vs. ACC lawsuit and discuss the big takeaways between the two sides.

Major takeaways from FSU vs. ACC lawsuit hearing

#1. Judge denies ACC's motion to dismiss on three counts

The Atlantic Coast Conference was attempting to state a cause of action from FSU's complaint over its bylaws and constitution. However, Leon Circuit Judge John C. Cooper denied the claim, and that was a major victory for the Florida State Seminoles in their attempt to leave the conference with the $140 million exit fees.

That is a critical victory for FSU. They can use that for leverage going forward.

#2. FSU has backup

The Seminoles have been in this legal battle for months but they are not alone. The Clemson Tigers have been in a similar situation as they are also in a lawsuit. Having the backing of multiple schools going up against the Atlantic Coast Conference will give Florida State and Clemson additional support for the lawsuit.

#3. Settlement on the table?

The FSU vs ACC lawsuit is starting to give some leverage to the school. With the advantage seemingly looking at the schools over the conference, there is a leading thought that a settlement could be in the works to allow this to end without the court's and judge's decision.

This has been rumored to happen and could lead to a settled payment to leave the conference without more legal issues. While this is in the realm of possibilities, do not consider things ending up getting to this point.