So let's say Virginia Tech moves to the Big Ten and ESPN holds Tier 1 rights for the ACC and Fox has the Big Ten.

ESPN elects to air Michigan at Virginia Tech.

Who does ESPN pay? ESPN got the game and can profit from it. That's what the GoR gave them.

Would it really hold up in court over the length of the contract for ESPN to continue paying the ACC in this scenario?

Better yet, what if ESPN holds Tier 1 rights to both conferences. Could they reduce the payment going to one conference over the other without triggering some "best interest" clause in the contract?

Would the Big Ten care if they challenged the power of the GoR in court? I don't think so since nobody is likely to leave. Would the ACC? Absolutely; It's what is keeping them together, and in the same ballpark as the other leagues.

Further, if Virginia Tech pays the full exit fee, are the bylaws that say where the TV money goes still binding? if so, for how long?

Grab some popcorn. The 2-year point for B1G's next contract is approaching.