Overview
- The proposal would create Big Ten Enterprises and sell roughly a 10% stake to the University of California’s investment fund in exchange for future media-rights revenue.
- Reports describe immediate cash distributions to all 18 member schools, with some estimates suggesting average payouts approaching $140 million per institution.
- Michigan and USC figures have voiced objections, and multiple regents and trustees have criticized the process for limited transparency and board-level oversight.
- Concerns include a possible shift to unequal distributions, a grant-of-rights extension reportedly through 2046, and investor influence over conference decision-making.
- Sen. Maria Cantwell has questioned the deal’s transparency and tax implications, while critics note the Big Ten already projects $1.2–$1.4 billion in FY2025 revenue.