Clemson University sues the ACC over its grant of media rights, exit fees

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Atlantic Coast Conference in Pickens County, South Carolina, over its grant of media rights deal.

According to Pickens County court records, the lawsuit takes aim at the claim by the ACC that it "irrevocably owns the media rights of member institutions to home games played through 2036, even if an institution ceases to being a member" and "that member institutions must pay an exorbitant $140 million penalty to leave the Conference."

"Each of these erroneous assertions separately hinders Clemson's ability to meaningfully explore its options regarding conference membership, to negotiate alternative revenue-sharing proposals among ACC members, and to obtain full value for its future media rights," the complaint states.

"As detailed below, collegiate athletics is at a crossroads. Without clarity as to its legal rights and obligations, Clemson cannot protect and advance its interests, or the interests of its student-athletes, in current and ongoing negotiations within the Conference, with the Conference's existing media partner ESPN, and in collegiate athletics more generally."

This is the second lawsuit that the ACC faces with Florida State suing the conference in December. Clemson's lawsuit seeks response from the ACC within 30 days or it will claim judgment by default.

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00