ACC files lawsuit against Maryland to ensure payment of $50 million for Big Ten departure

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Atlantic Coast Conference has filed a lawsuit against Maryland seeking full payment of the $50 million exit fee for announcing a move to the Big Ten.

The Guilford County Superior Court clerk's office said the lawsuit was filed there Monday.

In a statement, Commissioner John Swofford says the ACC's council of presidents unanimously decided "to file legal action to ensure enforcement of this obligation."

The league raised its exit fee to $50 million in September after adding Notre Dame in all sports except football. Maryland was one of two schools that voted against the increased exit fee.