Florida State University’s attempt to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference faces potential hurdles as both the Big Ten and SEC are reportedly uninterested in adding FSU, citing financial disincentives, no desire for expansion, and concerns over FSU’s reputation as a disruptive partner.

Florida State University’s (FSU) efforts to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for a heavyweight conference could be thwarted as both the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) reportedly have little interest in adding the Seminoles to their ranks.

Brett McMurphy, with the sports publication Action Network, reported on Tuesday that the Big Ten and SEC — both of which have long been considered a potential landing spot for the Seminoles — are unlikely to welcome FSU if it succeeds in breaking away from the ACC. The primary reasons cited include financial disincentives, a lack of appetite for further expansion, and concerns about FSU’s reputation as a partner. FSU has reportedly been eyeing these conferences due to their lucrative television media rights deals.

“Big Ten, SEC unlikely to add Florida State if it leaves ACC & ACC survives, sources told Action Network,” McMurphy posted on X. “Big Ten & SEC don’t want FSU because adding FSU doesn’t make financial sense, no desire to expand & “they’ve been a disruptive partner.”

FSU’s current situation is compounded by a legal and financial minefield that ties the university to the ACC via the conference’s Grant of Rights agreement, which locks its media rights to the conference until 2036. The agreement represents a legal hurdle, as FSU would need to challenge its enforceability to proceed with an exit. The legal battle alone could be protracted and costly, adding to the already substantial financial burden.

Additionally, the ACC’s bylaws stipulate a hefty exit fee, estimated to be around $120 million. Without a clear and immediate path to joining a more lucrative conference, the fee poses a risk to FSU’s financial stability and presents a potential inability to recoup costs through increased media revenue further complicates the university’s calculus.

The broader implications of these developments extend beyond FSU. Should the university fail to secure a spot in either the Big Ten or SEC, it may be forced to reconsider its strategy within the ACC, potentially culminating in a renegotiation of the revenue distribution model to address its financial concerns.

Earlier this month, an appeals court  rejected the ACC’s request to temporarily halt a lawsuit filed by FSU concerning media rights and potential financial penalties if FSU exits the conference. The legal battle, involving similar lawsuits in both North Carolina and Florida, centers on FSU’s claim that the ACC has shortchanged its members through television contracts. The court’s decision means the lawsuit will proceed in Leon County, despite the ACC’s arguments that the North Carolina case should take precedence.