Been thinking about this, and I don't think ESPN has any reason to do so. The caveat here is I'm assuming that there is no punitive breakup fee payable by ESPN if they don't exercise. If they can get away free and clear after 2026-27, why exercise the option at the current rate? FSU is almost assuredly gone, whether that's in two years or five years or ten years is anyone's guess, but I think it's *very* likely they're gone by 2030 or so; i.e., not even halfway through the extension term. And they're likely bringing at least one other ACC school with them. If that happens, suddenly the ACC TV deal isn't such a bargain for ESPN anymore. I'd argue the conference would then be on par with the Big 12, but earning significantly more through the duration of the new Big 12 contract that ends in 2031. ESPN would then know they could kneecap the ACC by not exercising the option, so why not go back to the negotiating table and bargain for lower payouts in exchange for triggering the option? The ACC's other option is to do what, exactly? Go on the open market? We all saw how well that worked for the Pac-12. What other suitors would the ACC have? Not many, if any at all that would be viable.