The Big Ten's new TV deal: What does it mean for Notre Dame?
The Big Ten is close to finalizing a new media rights package with multiple broadcast partners, according to reports.
The final details are still being worked out, but it’s very possible this deal could end up impacting Notre Dame’s ongoing negotiations with NBC — or the Irish’s appetite to join a conference.
As news of the Big Ten’s pending deal with Fox, CBS and NBC broke on Monday night, there was a wide range of reaction for what it could mean for Notre Dame.
On one side: the Big Ten can now offer Notre Dame an unprecedented annual media rights payout that would keep the school on pace with — or significantly ahead of — college football’s other top programs financially.
But on the other hand: if the Big Ten can get a reported $350 million from CBS for its 3:30 p.m. ET time slot, then what could the Irish get from NBC for its package of home games? Notre Dame is reportedly seeking $75 million annually in negotiations with NBC that would allow the program to remain independent.
Additionally, what does it mean that NBC is reportedly joining the deal to broadcast Big Ten games in the primetime window? That’s historically been Notre Dame’s time slot. It also could represent the “shoulder programming” that NBC was reportedly seeking to supplement its next contract with the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame’s current contract with NBC expires in 2025.
Here’s some of the reaction to Notre Dame’s options in the wake of this news:
Exactly. People can moan that they must be forced in a conference all they want, but as long as Notre Dame can get in the playoff and get their own TV deal, they don’t need to be in a conference. That’s just the truth of it. https://t.co/S1rtglLFeH
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 9, 2022
This is all basically set up for Notre Dame to join the Big Ten in a few years. The question then becomes, is Stanford their partner? And who do they add when they inevitably go to 20? Oregon/Washington or UNC/UVA?
— Scott Greene (@TerrapinNation) August 9, 2022
Wait. If CBS is paying $350 million for 13 good Big Ten games, how much would seven Notre Dame home games be worth?
Again, a lot to unpack. https://t.co/yXyuC5z7Gc
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 9, 2022
NBC in the mix has me wondering if this is it for Notre Dame. https://t.co/q1bwy8JCw4
— Cyrus Smith (@CoolCyWrites) August 9, 2022
This TV deal does feel like Notre Dame to the Big Ten is closer than ever to happening.
— Wes Reynolds (@WesReynolds1) August 9, 2022
If this happens, how could the Big Ten’s new relationship with NBC play a role in attracting Notre Dame at some point, TV is king these days in college football https://t.co/6T2WWrtxte
— Joe Nugent (@joenuge) August 9, 2022
A big question about the Big Ten TV deal is what impact it has on Notre Dame.
Does the Big Ten likely having NBC, Irish rivals (USC, Mich, MSU, Purdue) and more money to offer finally convince them to join?
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) August 9, 2022
This is a massive tv deal for the @BigTenNetwork. With @NBCSports on board, this could signal @NotreDame joining the Big Ten. #CollegeFootball #tv https://t.co/NQ2EGynsVh
— Couch Brotato Podcast (@couchbropodcast) August 9, 2022
That new Big Ten TV rights deal with FOX, CBS and NBC sharing the Football and Basketball rights for that conference means two things…
1. ESPN is completely out when it comes to Big Ten
2. Notre Dame will almost assuredly join the Big Ten with a TV deal like this in place
— Ian Cameron (@bobano) August 9, 2022
So if the Big Ten is going to have a deal with NBC (and the following question is total speculation, I don't know anything) doesn't that affect Notre Dame's next deal? https://t.co/ZJVRValvQY
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) August 9, 2022