$44.8 million ACC Media deal payout for FSU and Clemson amid legal tussle with Jim Phillips' powerhouse to nullify massive exit fees

FSU and Clemson are actively working on finding their way out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The two universities have over the years harbored the ambition to leave the conference due to its much lesser financial capabilities compared to the Big Ten and the SEC.

In the last academic year, both schools were reported to have earned $44.8 million in total conference revenue distribution. This was a significant increase from the $39.5 million distributed in the previous academic year, as the conference recorded a 14% growth in revenue.

These figures are exactly why FSU and Clemson are pushing to leave the ACC. They are way below what their counterparts in the SEC and Big Ten are earning. In the last academic year, the Big Ten distributed $60.5 million per school, while the SEC shared $51.2 million.

---

The ACC has discussed generating more revenue with ESPN

Becoming more lucrative is the only way to save the ACC from a collapse. The conference needs to generate more revenue and close the gap with the “Power Two” conferences to guarantee its future within the college football landscape.

Commissioner Jim Phillips disclosed on Monday during the ACC Media Days that the conference is working with its television partner, ESPN, to generate more revenue. He's confident it would turn out well, but it remains to be seen if it will convince FSU and Clemson to stay.

“Our partnership with ESPN is not going away. It’s not going away. We have talked to them about additional resources and how do we monetize it. We’re 50/50 partners on that,” Phillip said.

“They’re as motivated as we are to generate more revenue for the overall television deal. I’m very optimistic about where we’re going with them. They understand the importance. I’ll just leave it at that.”

---

Jim Phillips vows to protect ACC amid FSU and Clemson lawsuit

FSU and Clemson are seeking a way out of the ACC through legal means. Nonetheless, Jim Phillips has reinstated his commitment to ensuring the conference has a future in the realm of collegiate athletics.

"I can state that we will fight to protect the ACC and our members for as long as it takes," Phillips said on Monday in his ACC Media Days opening address.

"We are confident in this league and that it will remain a premier conference in college athletics for the long-term future.”

Both universities have filed separate lawsuits against the conference, hoping it would help lead them out without any obligation. The outcome is bound to have a crucial impact on the future of the conference.