Big Ten Conference
ROSEMONT, IL (WSAU) — Multiple reports indicate that the Big Ten Conference is about to cash in on a $1 billion media rights package to be split between three major networks.
CBS and NBC are reportedly finalizing a split of the second and third-tier rights alongside FOX, who have already confirmed their place as the league’s top broadcast partner for the new deal.
Parameters of the deal are expected to include one national broadcast window on each network. FOX would begin the day with a noon kickoff (11 AM CT) followed by a 3:30 game on CBS (2:30 CT). NBC would then have a Saturday night primetime game.
It’s unclear how the deal would impact other sports like men’s and women’s basketball or volleyball, all of which have had a presence on ESPN and other networks in recent years.
CBS already owns a small portion of the league’s MBB rights including select regular-season games on Saturdays and Sundays during the league season and the conference tournament semifinals and finals. Ohio State also has an agreement to play in the annual CBS Sports Classic.
FOX also owns a stake in the Big Ten Network.
The agreement is said to be in its final stages and would leave ESPN/ABC without a share in the league’s media rights for the first time in decades.
The deal could be finalized by Friday or early next week.
Comments