Report: Big Ten makes decision on ESPN negotiations over TV rights

According to the Sports Business Journal, the Big Ten and ESPN are entering an exclusive window for the two to negotiate the conference’s media rights. However, it is expected that the Big Ten allows it to pass, taking themselves to the free market.

SBJ explained the reasoning behind the decision on Monday. They said the Big Ten thinks they can make a lot more money if there is some competition for the World Wide Leader in sports.

“Several other networks have expressed their interest in taking the Big Ten’s rights from ESPN,” Sports Business Journal reporter John Ourand said. “Interest from CBS, Fox and NBC virtually ensures that the conference will see a hefty increase from the $440 million that ESPN and Fox pay each year. It’s the same premise as buying a house — prices go up when you have multiple bidders.”

However, just because the two sides are not going to negotiate during the exclusive window means there is going to be a split up. ESPN wants to keep the conference not only for the football viewership but for men’s basketball as well. SBJ says ESPN will “make a big push” to keep some kind of deal with the Big Ten.

Fox will be heavily involved in the negotiations as well. Currently, the network owns half of the Big Ten Network and has placed some of the conference’s biggest matchups on their Big Noon Kickoff on a weekly basis.

CBS and NBC are going to “aggressively” push to secure a deal from the Big Ten as well. Ourand explained, saying both networks are going to come to the conference “with lots of cash.” CBS is going to be replacing the SEC within the next few years and needs to make a splash. After having one of the top 3:30 p.m. ET game every single week with the SEC, the Big Ten would help them keep it that way.

As for NBC, Ourand says they want to pair the conference with Notre Dame games. In fact, the network is “salivating” over having the Fighting Irish play doubleheaders with the Big Ten following.

The exact date as to when the executive window closes for ESPN is not known. However, the Big Ten is hoping to have a new deal, no matter which network or combination of networks wins out, before the start of the 2022 fall semester.