• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 14, 2025

NBC To Make Big Push For Big Ten Media Rights

  • NBC Sports is expected to make a major push for the Big Ten’s media rights, sources tell Front Office Sports.
  • The Big Ten could command rights fees of up to $1.1 billion annually on the open market, said sources.
Big-Ten-ESPN
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

With the Big Ten’s media rights set to expire in 2023, major networks are gearing up to bid for some of the most sought-after packages in college sports.

NBC Sports is expected to make a major push for the Power 5 conference’s rights, sources tell Front Office Sports. The Big Ten could command fees of up to $1.1 billion annually on the open market, said sources. 

NBC views the combination of the Big Ten along with its existing deal with Notre Dame football as the “perfect one-two punch,” said one source. With its $100 million-per-year deal with the NHL off the books, NBC has the cash and ambition to boost its college portfolio.

“If I’m ESPN or Fox, I’m looking over my shoulder because NBC is going to go hard after the Big Ten,” said another source.

“We don’t comment on specific strategies of our company, but we’re always interested in high-quality sports with wide appeal,” an NBC Sports spokesperson told FOS.

The Big Ten is currently in an exclusive negotiating period with ESPN, Sports Business Journal reported. CBS, which will lose SEC football rights after the 2023-24 season, will reportedly also be particularly interested.

Media Rights Benchmarks

In 2017, the Big Ten inked a six-year, $2.64 billion package that pays out about $440 million each year.

But in 2020, a new bar was set with the SEC’s gargantuan 10-year, $3 billion deal with Disney that will commence in 2024.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Formula-1-cars-USA-Grand-Prix

ESPN Reportedly Losing F1 Rights; NBC and Netflix in Talks

The network has broadcast the sport in the U.S. since 2018.
Sept 5 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori (ITA) with the US Open trophy after beating Donald Young and Taylor Townsend (USA) in the Mixed Doubles Final on day eleven of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

US Open Mixed Doubles Changes Spark Mixed Reactions

Shorter sets, quintupled prize purses, mixed response from players.
exclusive

Shaquille O’Neal, TNT Agree to Extension Worth Over $15M/Year

Shaq’s Inside the NBA will be licensed to ESPN next season.
breaking

YouTube TV, Paramount Reach Temporary Extension to Avoid Blackout

YouTube TV subscribers can breathe a sigh of relief—for now.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

Dallas Teams Ditch RSNs for New Models. Will Others Follow?

The Metroplex is a crucible of a broader wave of industry change.
February 13, 2025

YouTube TV Faces CBS Blackout As March Madness, Masters Loom

The carriage dispute threatens viewer access to several major sports events.
Kanye West
February 13, 2025

Fox Breaks Silence on Kanye Super Bowl Swastika Ad

The ads ran in at least four markets, three operated by Fox.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 13, 2025

Vice TV Signs BYB Bare Knuckle Boxing Amid Surprising Sports Pivot

Vice Media Group filed for bankruptcy in 2023.
Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee and Michael Cole and Wade Barrett celebrate with Jey Uso during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium.
February 12, 2025

WWE’s Michael Cole: Pat McAfee Made Work ‘Fun’

Cole is the host of “WWE’s Greatest Moments,” which debuts on A&E this Sunday.
February 12, 2025

Luka Dončić Lakers Debut Peaked at 2.55M Viewers

Dončić played just 24 minutes in the Lakers’ blowout win.
February 12, 2025

Can NBC Capitalize on Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Trio in 2026?

The network will offer an arguably unrivaled confluence of events next February.