Of course it’s procedural, but still part of the process of either getting out, or getting the $$ rightly due to then (vis a vis some of the other members of the league)
Hence, the multiple lawsuits going on as we speak
OT: The official ACC all things thread
- Thread starter JayDogSmooth
- Start date
Hence, the multiple lawsuits going on as we speak
I will not argue with that, but the fact is that ESPN has until February 1 to extend, and given the current landscape and that they have not done so already, it is highly unlikely that they will
With that being said, coupled with FSU and Clemson‘s open to leave, multiple lawsuits, and the ACC is dirty laundry potentially being exposed, Doug Rohan, and a bunch of others in the know, are all predicting something significant happen between now and February 1, 2025, ultimately leading to FSU playing in likely either the Big Ten or SEC in 2026
Are these the same people that were "predicting something significant" would happen before 8/15/24?
No
That was Pate & Co.
FWIW, Pate is also in the know
Guy is super connected along with a few others
This is a different deal for the conference realignment this go around
Typically, it’s secret and covert, and nobody finds out about it until it becomes public
Obviously, this is much different due to the monetary situation and the urgency to get out ASAP
The value of having the option is you have the flexibility to wait until you are close to or at the option date to extend. They are doing what any rational business with this kind of option would do. If they had extended today, and a year before the option date there was a worldwide recession causing advertising rates collapse, they would look like idiots for extending early. All signs point to them extending because they need the content.
They may need content, but they also need ratings
You take out your top two programs, your already dismal ratings plummet even further
Additionally, they’re getting exactly what they want right now
People talking about the league
Just like Yormark & the B12
No publicity is bad publicity
Especially when you have one league on the verge of G5 status once schools leave (ACC), and another firmly entrenched in 3rd place, far behind the B1G and SEC (B12)
You just unwittingly explained the value of the option. ESPN can wait and see what happens. Though being involved in the agreements, they and their legal representatives may already have a strong view about whether these schools can get out without paying the large fine and grant of rights. They will also have better insight than anyone else as to what the ACC is thinking and may also be advising them on the legal strategy.
The other thing is why should they extend and be bidding against themselves. Can’t imagine many networks will be lining up for the ACC contract. Too much unknown and it is not a premier product. Only 2-3 games worth watching and paying for on a national level.
