Realignment Insider bluntly dismisses FSU, Clemson’s Big 12 expansion, ACC exit rumors

Speculation suggests that more conference realignment could happen in the not-so-distant future, with the Atlantic Coast Conference on the verge of a collapse similar to the Pac-12. With the rumors regarding the exits of ACC members Clemson Tigers and Florida State Seminoles, there is some belief that the Big 12 expansion will include these teams.

College football insider Greg Swaim discussed the idea that the Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers' admission to the Big 12 is not likely to happen:

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"Obviously the #Big12 can't help #Clemson, #FSU, or any other #ACC team with their exit, as that's completely on them. And I very seriously doubt that any ACC team that makes a move to the #Big12 will get any additional revenue shares, as the B12 learned their lesson well with the #Sooners and #Longhorns."

The revenue shares present an interesting situation, but there could be a way for the Big 12 to help with a buyout for these programs to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference. Through a private equity holder, it may be possible for them to essentially play the role of a mediator and get a buyout negotiated.

However, the revenue shares could be a major holdup, but with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark at the helm, things could accelerate quickly.

Will FSU and Clemson be able to leave the ACC?

Before discussing the Big 12 expansion, it is of the utmost importance to address the ongoing legal battle of the ACC against Clemson and FSU. Things are still in the beginning stages as the North Carolina Court has decided they will hear the case while the ACC is required to disclose the ESPN media rights contract.

There are a lot of things that still need to happen before there can be discussions surrounding a potential exit. While the Big 12 could help orchestrate a move, a lot of legal situations are ongoing. The $572 million Grant of Rights deal for each team is going to be a significant amount of money that the teams will need to shell out if they want to leave right now.

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