Big Ten Network and the New B12 - Fox TV Deal

**RedRaven** · 03-17-2011, 07:29 PM

Perspective on the size of the new Fox TV deal. If it ends up being $90M/ year (or $9M per school) for 13 years the annual benefit per school will be similar to what the Big Ten Network (a 25 year deal with Fox) is delivering. Would anyone have thought that the B12 Conference would be in position to pull this off a year ago? $90 Million per year - Not me!

The Chicago Tribune had the BTN last year worth $7 to $8 million per school per year.

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/11533/big-ten-network-officially-a-cash-cow

The value of the BTN per school is going to increase (even with having to divide by 12 schools now). But, we are in the ballpark with Big Ten revenues.

A "Little 8 Network" that is also being negotiated with Fox would give ISU some additional financial benefits to third tier rights. BTN shows both second and third tier programming on their network.

Looks like the B12 Offices are finally getting it together and they are actually doing a good job in negotaiting TV contracts. Whoever says the B12 is in danger better rethink their position. I think this contract will make every B12 team happy - even Texas.

**CYVADER** · 03-17-2011, 07:57 PM

pray this happens, not holding my breath.

edit-saying that without doing much research. i have no idea the actual likelihood of this deal coming together. haven't sifted through the other threads, or done any homework on it either.

too damn busy at work to find out what's been going on in cyland lately

**cykadelic2** · 03-17-2011, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by RedRaven

The value of the BTN per school is going to increase (even with having to divide by 12 schools now). But, we are in the ballpark with Big Ten revenues.

With cable subscriber attrition increasing and ala carte cable pricing looming, I doubt the BTN is going to increase in value if they keep their current content.

The B12 will be in the ballpark with the B10 for now. The B10 will also be renegotiating their 1st tier rights in a couple of years and if current trends persist, they will likely be again significantly higher than the B12 with their new contract. But these trends may not continue.

**kingcy** · 03-17-2011, 09:02 PM

Will the money be evenly divided?

**ISUFan22** · 03-17-2011, 09:06 PM

It often takes a SEE (significant emotional event) to get people motivated for change. It was the near-end to this conference that finally got people motivated.

Should have happened sooner, but at least it's happening.