Report: Notre Dame targeting massive TV deal from NBC to remain independent

Notre Dame is reportedly seeking $75 million in annual media rights payouts in order to remain independent.

That’s per CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd, who notes that Notre Dame’s current contract with NBC is set to expire in 2025. Negotiations are expected to continue over the next few weeks, per Dodd’s report.

Notre Dame’s current deal with NBC is worth approximately $15 million per season.

If Notre Dame can reach the goal of $75 million per year, it would remain competitive with other top teams in the SEC and Big Ten. Those conferences are expected to distribute more than $100 million annually to their members in future years.

Notre Dame’s status as an independent has been called into question in recent weeks after USC and UCLA joined the Pac-12. The Fighting Irish are currently under contract with the ACC in non-football sports until 2036. That contract reportedly prohibits Notre Dame from joining a conference other than the ACC.

Despite Notre Dame’s link to the ACC, the Big Ten has reportedly been pursuing Notre Dame in recent months

. It’s currently unclear how seriously Notre Dame has been considering joining a conference.

Earlier this month, Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick told ESPN the university does not feel any urgency to join a conference.

Finding a path to the College Football Playoff will also be an important factor in Notre Dame’s decision. On Monday morning, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey seemed to advocate for no automatic berths in an expanded field. That outcome would benefit an independent Notre Dame.

NBC has been Notre Dame’s primary rights holder since 1991.