Surprise network could make run at Big Ten media rights

NBC is looking to add the Big Ten to strengthen their catalog of college football coverage. According to Michael McCarthy and Amanda Christovich of Front Office Sports, NBC Sports is looking to make a run at the Big Ten.

“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,” reported McCarthy and Christovich. “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.”

Moreover, Front Office Sports reports NBC views the combination of the Big Ten and their existing coverage of Notre Dame as a perfect combination.

“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,” reported Front Office Sports. “With its $100 million-per-year deal with the NHL off the books, NBC has the cash and ambition to boost its college portfolio.”

As you can see, a drastic change could be on the horizon for both NBC and the Big Ten.

More on NBC, Big Ten

Back in 2017, the Big Ten collaborated with ESPN, FOX and CBS to create a six-year, $2.64 billion package. Now, NBC is looking to get in on the action.

According to Front Office Sports, one source believes the networks need to be looking over their shoulder.

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

As McCarthy and Christovich report, a new bar was set by the SEC in 2020. The conference signed a 10-year, $3 billion deal with Disney that will commence in 2024. Now, other conference are looking for their huge payouts.