Ryan Day jokes about potential Big Ten private equity deal, impact on Ohio State

The Big Ten could be nearing a private equity deal worth north of $2 billion. As a part of the proposal, there would also be an initial tiered distribution structure put into place — and Ohio State appears to be one of the teams that would benefit the most from it.

Ohio State would receive $190 million as a part of the deal, alongside Michigan and Penn State as programs in the top distribution tier. Earlier this week, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day joked that he’d spend it all in one offseason.

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“(AD Ross Bjork) said that we can use that for the next class, the whole thing, we’re good. So I was really excited when he told me that. I said, ‘Wow,’ we’re gonna put a good class together,” Day joked.

According to Yahoo! Sports Ross Dellenger, there has been some “resistance” from donors at both Michigan and USC. Questions have since arose about whether or not a private equity deal is necessary for the conference.

If the proposal becomes reality, the $2.4 billion total would be distributed up front through uneven payments. The average payout would be $135-140 million, per Dellenger. It would also extend the Big Ten’s grant of rights through 2046 and establish ‘Big Ten Enterprises,’ which is a business subsidiary. Despite the pushback from the two universities, the proposal has overwhelming support.

In the end, Day is trusting those in charge of the university and the athletic department to make the decisions best suited for his program. Day maintained that his focus is on Saturday’s matchup against Wisconsin.

“Ross has been great. And every decision that’s made is made, kind of like the way we are. We have a short term focus, but more importantly, we have a long term focus,” Day continued. “And at Ohio State, this is something that has to be stable. We always have to make sure that we’re making great decisions for the future, as well as right now.

“… We know what the expectation is long term.(Bjork) has been great about communicating to me what’s going on. (Bjork) always work to give us everything we need, but at the same time you know that he’s gonna make the decision that’s best for the athletic department and the university. I don’t think those final decisions have been made, but I know he’s right in the middle of it and so is President (Ted) Carter, and their hard work is much appreciated.”