In order to buy out FSU and Clemson from their ACC media rights deal, the Big 12 may change course and offer the Noles and Tigers unequal revenue sharing -- compared to the rest of the conference -- according to realignment reporter Greg Swaim.
"The Big 12 learned with the Sooners and Longhorns that unequal revenue sharing just doesn't work," Swaim prefaced before saying, "However, to help buy FSU and Clemson out of their ACC deal, as long as they sign a long term deal...now that's a horse of a different color!"
Previously, Swaim had claimed that Texas and Oklahoma could've potentially ruined FSU and Clemson's potential for unequal revenue sharing by taking the money and running. Previously, his reporting went in the complete opposite direction.
"Obviously the Big 12 can't help Clemson, FSU, or any other ACC team with their exit, as that's completely on them," Swaim prefaced before saying, "And I very seriously doubt that any ACC team that makes a move to the Big12 will get any additional revenue shares, as the B12 learned their lesson well with the Sooners and Longhorns."
FSU and Clemson could go anywhere: the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 or even stay in ACC
That no conference has a leg up on any other in the FSU and Clemson sweepstakes means the ACC may not be out of the picture yet either. The ACC would have to make a huge concession, though, to get the Noles and Tigers back: offer unequal revenue sharing themselves.
If the ACC doesn't make those moves, ESPN could make sure they end up under their umbrella in the SEC.
Of course, the Big Ten is AAU accreditation away for either school, though Clemson is less likely to get that. FSU is reportedly working on it.
Then there's the Big 12, which could have private equity in their corner in pursuit of several poaches from the ACC.
Everything is on the table right now, with no one in firm control of the FSU and Clemson sweepstakes.