whether that's 2027 or 2036. Even if FSU and Clemson pay up and leave early, all that will do is make the situation even more untenable for serious programs like Miami, VT, NCSU, etc., which will just speed things along, because then all those institutions will be pissed and start badmouthing and suing the conference. So, the GOR, exit fee, etc. will ultimately end up being nothing but a speed bump on the ACC's road to becoming a mid-major football entity. As I've consistently said, the die has already been cast for the ACC when it comes to being a "power." It's done; it's over. Yes, the ACC will survive, but it will much more resemble the current Big East than the SEC or the B1G. All Jim Phillips and the Wake Forest-Boston College brigade are doing is stalling for time. To your point about a "breakaway" league - if FSU and Clemson cannot force their leg in the door with the SEC or B1G, then don't be shocked to see talk of a new look league, built from the ground up to sell football broadcasts, and also don't be shocked if several current ACC and Big 12 programs leave to join it. The future of realignment is likely not expansion, but contraction - getting rid of dead weight.