• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Big Ten Media Rights Value Could Increase Up to 25% With USC, UCLA

  • With the additions of USC and UCLA, the Big Ten’s media rights value could jump from $1 billion to up to $1.25 billion annually.
  • “Basically, the Big Ten told everybody: go back to the drawing board,” a source told FOS.
Joshua A. Bickel/Dispatch

The addition of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten could increase the conference’s media rights value significantly. 

One source told Front Office Sports the number could be around 10%, though another suggested it could go as high as 25%. The broadcast value could now be worth anywhere from $1.1 billion to $1.25 billion per year

“Basically, the Big Ten told everybody: Go back to the drawing board,” one source said.

  • In 2017, the Big Ten signed a six-year deal worth $2.64 billion — which is up in 2023.
  • Over the past few months, the conference has been working on renegotiations.
  • Before USC and UCLA joined, FOS reported that the Big Ten’s next media rights package could be worth more than $1 billion annually.

But the addition of the Trojans and Bruins brings not just diehard fan bases and storied brands. It also provides access to the coveted Los Angeles television market, sports business expert Lee Berke told FOS.

“The timing couldn’t be better,” said Berke. “There’s no other Pac-12 presence throughout Southern California. So you get that market. It’s not just the city; it’s the DMA.”

The Big 12’s Precedent

The power of a top football brand to drive up media rights value can’t be overstated.

When Texas and Oklahoma left the Big 12 for the SEC, former commissioner Bob Bowlsby estimated that the conference lost half its broadcast rights value.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Stephen A. Smith on MNF Role, Inside the NBA, Molly Qerim Departure

Smith told FOS he will work “at least” three games this season.
Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Tush Push

Why Fox’s Dean Blandino Is ‘Done’ With the Tush Push

The NFL rules analyst outlines why the play should be banned.

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.