CBS, NBC ‘Front-Runners’ for Big Ten Rights

The Big Ten is reportedly nearing broadcasting deals with CBS and NBC, and an agreement could be reached by the end of the week.

The networks would reportedly split the conference’s “B” package, with each expected to pay around $350 million per year.

• CBS would take games during the 3:30 p.m. ET window.
• NBC would broadcast primetime games, streaming some games on Peacock.

Amazon reportedly bid on the package, but Sports Business Journal claims that NBC and CBS are “clear front-runners.” Apple has reportedly shown interest.

Fox Sports reportedly entered a deal for the conference’s “A” package a few months ago, which includes a football game at noon ET, as well as football games on its FS1 and Big Ten Network.

Sources told Front Office Sports earlier this month that the Big Ten hopes to bring in $1.5 billion annually from the deals, making it the richest rights deal package in all of college sports.

ESPN’s Exit 

The news comes as ESPN declined the conference’s final offer for a seven-year deal worth $380 million annually — the ABC-owned network won’t air the Power 5 conference’s games for the first time in 40 years.

Industry sources told Front Office Sports that ESPN is now eyeing the upcoming negotiations for renewing NCAA championship rights — it currently pays roughly $34 million annually for 29 Division I championships.

In 2020, the network also signed an exclusive 10-year deal for SEC football and basketball rights worth $3 billion, which starts in 2024.