• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Big Ten Rushes Back Into Expansion Talks, Hoping To Enhance Media Revenue

  • The Big Ten is discussing adding Washington and Oregon, a source confirmed to FOS.
  • Commissioner Tony Petitti will now explore whether expansion could enhance their media agreements.
BIG-10-logo
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Eyeing the moves in the Big 12 and Pac-12, the Big Ten is now having expansion discussions of its own, a source confirmed to Front Office Sports. 

Commissioner Tony Petitti will explore whether the conference can get more media rights dollars for adding schools like Washington and Oregon. 

Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Pac-12 Conference logo at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Will The Pac-12’s Next TV Deal Be Enough To Save It?

There’s no guarantee replacement schools will bridge the gap.
July 31, 2023

ESPN first reported that the Big Ten has resumed expansion discussions, and that Petitti has been authorized to continue the conference’s research.

The Big Ten conducted research on expansion last year when Kevin Warren was still commissioner — and those talks included Oregon and Washington, as has been previously reported

Fast forward to this summer’s expansion frenzy, which has included the Pac-12’s disastrous media rights negotiations, the Big 12’s attempt to poach Pac-12 schools, and the ACC’s revenue distribution woes.

The Big Ten largely stayed out of the news cycle until now. But the internal conversation on realignment strategy has been chaotic.

Only in recent days has the conference decided to seriously reboot expansion talks, the source said. Now, it’s considering Washington and Oregon. The conference has been and continues to be divided on expansion, however, even with the most palatable candidates.

Now, Petitti will test the waters to see if there’s any additional media revenue should they add the two schools. He’ll chat with the media rights partners the league has for its next deal in Fox, CBS, and NBC, as well as explore new partners like ESPN, the source said. (Last summer, the Big Ten inked the biggest media deal in conference history — a mid-$7 billion package.)

But it’s unclear what kind of offers he might receive to enhance that monstrous deal. The Big Ten’s deal was signed in a completely different era of media rights negotiations, as so much has changed in a year. 

“This is a nasty environment right now,” an expert industry source previously told FOS of the current media rights landscape. Linear broadcasters are being much more judicious about what content they’re willing to pay for, and streamers aren’t offering cash cows like some thought they might. 

For the Big Ten, that could mean networks won’t be willing to shell out for extra schools. 

A pro rata deal, for example, would give new schools the same media rights revenue as old schools. So if each school would receive $30 million a year from media rights fees, the networks would add enough money to the overall deal so that no one’s share gets diluted. 

It’s very unlikely that networks would offer the conference a pro rata deal for Washington and Oregon, the first source said. (Rumors have suggested that Colorado will get a full share in the Big 12, but it’s unclear who’s funding that — ESPN and FOX, or the Big 12’s exit fees from Texas and Oklahoma?)

As the Big Ten fires up the expansion machine, it will watch closely. If the Pac-12 implodes, then the Big Ten may be incentivized to pick up extra members to keep up with the Joneses. 

Last week, the Pac-12 lost Colorado. This week, it offered members a media deal reportedly with Apple that clearly didn’t offer enough upside from revenue or distribution to stop schools from exploring jumping ship.

On Thursday night, Arizona’s board of regents will hold a meeting, and moving conferences appears to be on the table. 

Three hours later, the University of Washington’s board of regents will hold their own session, though a report suggested a definitive decision will not come out tonight. In any case, the Big Ten would have to officially extend an invitation to Washington.

If they decide to go, it’s difficult to see how the Pac-12 stays together. If that happens, the Big Ten will almost certainly have to make moves.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
NC State

NC State ‘Cardiac Pack’ Team Loses NCAA Suit for NIL Back Pay

The 1983 team was among college basketball’s greatest Cinderella stories. 

March Madness Fields Will Stay Put at 68—at Least Until 2027

NCAA tournament expansion is still on the table for 2027.
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks injured guard Damian Lillard against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.

Damian Lillard and All the NBA Players Taking College GM Roles

The All-Star was named general manager of Weber State men’s basketball Saturday.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

Three Schools Sue Mountain West, Commish Over Withheld Funds

Boise State, Colorado State, and Utah State intensified the court battle.
Stanford
August 1, 2025

John Donahoe Taking Over Stanford Sports After Rocky Nike Tenure

John Donahoe will be Stanford’s AD after a four-year stint running Nike.
May 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; The BYU Cougars against the Long Beach State 49ers at St. John Arena
August 4, 2025

Federal Judge Tells Stephen F. Austin to Reinstate Women’s Sports Teams

Schools may not be able to follow through on threats of cuts.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
NCAA Track
July 31, 2025

NIL Collectives Can Still Pay College Athletes, With Some Restrictions

NIL collectives will still play a pivotal role in recruiting.
Rutgers
July 28, 2025

Rutgers Finds New Athletic Director After Almost a Year

Rutgers’s previous athletic director, Pat Hobbs, resigned in August 2024.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Mitchell Evans (88) runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
July 25, 2025

‘More Bark Than Bite’: What Trump’s Executive Order Means for College Sports

“This all comes down to Congress and the courts.”
July 24, 2025

UNC’s Bill Belichick Brings His NFL Swagger to ACC Media Days

UNC is becoming one of the most interesting stories in college football.