Conversations between the ACC and FSU, Clemson 'seem to be positive'

FSU and Clemson are negotiating with the ACC to end the year-long legal standoff the two programs and the conference. And according to Stream On's Jim Williams, those talks "seem to be positive" thus far.

"It is early but thus far conversations between the ACC, FSU, and Clemson seem to be positive as they work together on a proposal to keep both teams in the conference," Williams prefaced before saying, "A shorter (Grant of Rights agreement) and merit based Rev sharing are two of the key issues being discussed. Changing the term of the Grant of Rights is critical. For the conference to sign off on NEW members, adding schools while negotiating a new TV contract is ideal to get more cash for all members."

CBS' Brandon Marcello was the first to report the peace talks between the Noles, Tigers, and ACC.

"The ACC is exploring a new revenue structure in an attempt to resolve lawsuits with Florida State and Clemson and keep both universities in the league, sources confirmed to CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello," Marcello's colleague, Cameron Salerno, reported. "ACC presidents first discussed a potential new deal during in-person league meetings last week, and those talks continued in a conference call on Tuesday.

"In addition, shortening the current grant of rights agreement is also on the table. The ACC's current grant of rights agreement with ESPN runs through 2036, but under the new proposal, it would be set to end in 2030."

FSU and Clemson changed their tunes on conference realignment after UGA dominated Tigers, ACC started 2-0 against Noles

FSU and Clemson were goners in the offseason. There was seemingly no chance of them returning considering the history of member schools suing their governing conference body. The ACC's existence was called into question.

Now, a Week 0 loss to Georgia Tech, a Week 1 beatdown at Boston College's hands, and a 20-12 loss to Memphis, a Group of 5 school, has FSU crawling back to the ACC. Ditto for Clemson after being thoroughly dominated whistle-to-whistle by Georgia.

Funny how that all worked out for those schools after a summer of filing lawsuits and biting the hand that feeds them.