HUGE: Big 12 REJECTING Memphis Just Exposed ACC OFFICIALLY COLLAPSING | Realignment, Expansion News

The Big 12 is eyeing the 2030-2031 timeframe as a potential window to "steal" schools from the ACC due to the evolving dynamics of the ACC's Grant of Rights (GOR) and media deal. While the ACC's primary media rights deal with ESPN runs through 2036, recent developments indicate a potential softening of the exit fees for member institutions.Here's why the Big 12 could make a move in that period:Decreasing Exit Fees: The ACC's exit fee, which was initially estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, is reportedly set to decrease. Court documents from lawsuits between Florida State, Clemson, and the ACC have revealed details about this. The exit fee is expected to level off at $75 million in 2030-31. This significantly lower figure makes leaving the conference a more financially palatable decision for schools looking to maximize their revenue.Alignment with Other Media Rights Negotiations: The 2030-31 timeframe is crucial because it aligns with when the Big Ten and Big 12's current media rights deals are also up for renegotiation. The SEC's deal runs through 2034, but there's a possibility of an early look-in. This means that the Big 12 would be entering a new media rights negotiation cycle potentially with a stronger, expanded footprint, which could increase its overall value.ACC Schools Seeking Higher Revenue: Schools like Florida State and Clemson have been vocal about the financial disparity between their ACC revenue shares and those of the Big Ten and SEC. Even with the ACC's new revenue distribution policies that include performance incentives, the gap is expected to widen. The prospect of earning significantly more money in the Big 12 (or SEC/Big Ten) would be a powerful motivator for these schools once their exit fees become more manageable.Strategic Expansion for the Big 12: Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has consistently stated that the conference is "open for business" and is looking for opportunities to grow and innovate. Poaching established ACC programs would enhance the Big 12's geographic reach, potentially adding valuable media markets and strong athletic brands in both football and basketball. Schools like Miami, Louisville, and Pittsburgh have been mentioned as potential targets due to their strong athletic programs and strategic locations.ACC Instability: The ongoing lawsuits and public discontent from some ACC members regarding the GOR and revenue distribution create an environment of instability. This internal strife within the ACC could make it more vulnerable to raids when the financial penalties for departure become less prohibitive.In essence, the combination of a more accessible exit fee from the ACC, the timing of other major conference media rights negotiations, and the Big 12's aggressive expansion strategy creates a fertile ground for potential realignment in the early 2030s.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.