In a potentially major shakeup for college athletics, Florida State University (FSU) is seriously considering leaving the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) due to concerns over revenue distribution. FSU President Richard McCullough expressed his frustration during a board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, stating that remaining in the ACC "under the current situation" would be difficult without a "radical change to the revenue distribution." The issue at hand is the significant gap in TV revenue between the ACC and other conferences like the Big Ten and SEC, which could widen further with the ACC's TV deal with ESPN locked in until 2036.

McCullough emphasized that FSU wants to continue staying in the ACC but believes that a major change is necessary to ensure competitiveness and fair revenue distribution. Trustee and former FSU quarterback Drew Weatherford echoed these sentiments, stating that it's not a matter of if FSU leaves the ACC, but rather how and when. The financial disparity could result in a $30 million cut per year for FSU over the next 13 years, making it increasingly difficult for the university to remain competitive.

While the ACC has made efforts to address revenue concerns and adjust its revenue-sharing model based on athletic success, FSU remains unsatisfied. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has stated that revenue generation is a priority, but FSU seems determined to explore other options. However, leaving the ACC won't be a simple task. The exit fee is estimated to be around $120 million, and FSU would also need to challenge the grant of rights, which is the agreement granting the conference the TV rights to their games.

The landscape of college athletics is already undergoing changes, with the University of Colorado set to move to the Big 12 after the 2023-24 season. The Pac-12 conference is also facing potential losses, with rumors circulating about the future of Arizona and Arizona State. Furthermore, the Big Ten is reportedly interested in expansion, with Washington and Oregon being discussed as potential additions.

FSU's potential departure from the ACC would have significant implications for both the university and the conference. While FSU fans and officials are frustrated with the current situation, there are still obstacles to overcome before a decision can be made. The ACC has a TV deal in place until 2036, and FSU would need to navigate the financial and contractual challenges associated with leaving the conference. The deadline for schools to notify the ACC of their intention to leave for the 2024 season is August 15, adding further urgency to FSU's decision-making process.