In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the Florida State University (FSU) Board of Trustees and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper has ruled in favor of FSU's jurisdictional claim. The ruling came after a lengthy courtroom discussion in which both parties presented their arguments.

Tuesday's hearing primarily focused on the ACC's motion to dismiss FSU's second amended complaint, which had been filed in mid-April. Jurisdiction emerged as a central topic of contention during the proceedings. The parties debated whether the case should be under the jurisdiction of Florida or North Carolina, where the ACC is based.

FSU's argument centered on the fact that the university plays numerous athletic contests in Leon County, which are produced for the media rights agreement. They cited 216 contests held in the past year as evidence of their claim for jurisdiction in Florida. However, the ACC maintained that FSU, like all other league members, is part of a bundled media rights agreement falling under North Carolina's jurisdiction.

Ultimately, Judge Cooper ruled in favor of FSU, asserting that jurisdiction should reside in Florida as the case moves forward. The ACC's attempt to halt the case based on North Carolina jurisdiction was denied by the judge.

Explaining his decision, Judge Cooper emphasized that the ACC conducts significant business in Florida. He pointed to an affidavit provided by the ACC, which acknowledged that FSU and the University of Miami, along with the ACC, conduct and produce sports events originating from FSU and Miami home games. This involvement was deemed as ACC conducting business in Florida.

The ruling marks another step in the legal process between FSU and the ACC. While the case will proceed in Leon County, the possibility of an appeal remains. Interestingly, Judge Cooper urged both parties to consider mediation and attempt a negotiated settlement, expressing his belief that such an agreement would likely resolve the matter.

During the discussion on mediation, FSU requested non-redacted ESPN agreements from the ACC as part of the process. The ACC confirmed their willingness to participate in mediation and stated their commitment to providing a suitable form of the ESPN agreements that satisfies all parties involved.

The legal proceedings between FSU and the ACC originally commenced in December 2023 in Leon County. Additionally, a parallel case is unfolding in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where FSU is appealing a ruling. Moreover, the ACC, along with their media partners, are embroiled in a legal dispute with the State Attorney General of Florida over media agreements and public records law.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that a separate legal battle is ongoing between the ACC and Clemson, playing out in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

As the legal saga continues, the ruling in favor of FSU's jurisdiction claim sets the stage for further proceedings in the Leon County courtroom. Both sides will closely monitor any potential appeals or opportunities for negotiated settlements in their pursuit of a resolution.