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Michigan Regent Says Independence on the Table if Big Ten Approves $2.4 Billion UC Investments Deal

Michigan objects to a long-term outside investment that would lock in media rights through 2046.

Overview

  • Regent Jordan Acker said Michigan would consider going independent in football after the current grant of rights expires in 2036 if the capital deal proceeds without unanimous approval.
  • The proposal under discussion would bring a $2.4 billion infusion from UC Investments and launch a new commercial arm called Big Ten Enterprises.
  • Reporting indicates the plan contemplates selling roughly a 10% stake in the conference’s new entity to the University of California’s investment arm.
  • The deal would extend the Big Ten’s grant of rights to 2046 and includes nine-figure upfront payments to members, with some topping $150 million.
  • Michigan and USC remain opposed over governance and equity concerns, and UC Investments said it wants support from all 18 schools before moving forward.