FSU & Clemson's legal tussle against ACC to end soon as CFB insider predicts potential ACC collapse in latest wave of conference realignment

The ACC is currently engulfed in a series of legal battles that could possibly lead to the end of the conference. Florida State initially filed a legal suit against the ACC in December before Clemson did the same in February. The league replied with a countersuit in both cases.

According to college football insider Greg Swaim, the legal battle within the conference could end shortly. The outcome of the court cases, which were filed across different states, is believed to hold the key to the future of the conference.

Swaim did not mention why the legal battles are all ending soon, as there is no view of final judgment in sight. However, it is believed that the parties involved could reach a resolution on the disputed issues. Nonetheless, the insider believes that the possibility of a collapse remains strong, especially if ESPN doesn't extend its media deal to 2036.

More details on the legal battles are expected in the coming days, as Swaim noted he is speaking to someone familiar with the case.

Why ESPN's media deal decision could implode the ACC

The ongoing ESPN media deal with the ACC is a 20-year deal that runs until 2036. However, ESPN has the right to either opt-out or proceed with the deal after 10 years. With the 10th year of the television contract approaching, the network's decision will have an impact on the future.

If ESPN decides not to proceed with the media deal in 2026, this could lead to the implosion of the league. Opting out means every school in the league can freely walk out of the conference without any contractual obligation, creating another Pac-12 scenario in the realm.

Florida State and Clemson are, in their complaint, making the argument that a new grant of rights agreement has to be issued for the media deal to be valid for another ten years. This legal conflict could lead ESPN to opt out of the television contract in 2026, leading to a mass exodus.

Jim Phillips says the legal battles are "extremely damaging" to the league

Without a doubt, the series of lawsuits within the ACC has created significant chaos within the conference over the months, creating a lot of uncertainties regarding the future. Commissioner Jim Phillips echoed this during his opening address during the Media Days.

“These disputes continue to be extremely damaging, disruptive and incredibly harmful to the league as well as overshadowing our student-athletes and the incredible successes taking place on the field and within the conference,” Phillips said (h/t CBS Sports).

Ahead of the 2024 college football season, what the future holds for the conference remains hard to predict. Nonetheless, the league's leadership has vowed to protect its future in the landscape.