FOX and Big Ten Agree to Deal

Fox is close to signing a deal that gives it half of the Big Ten’s available media rights package, according to several sources. Deal terms still are flexible – both in terms of money and rights. However, the two sides have agreed on basic terms that will give Fox the rights to around 25 football games and 50 basketball games that it will carry on both the broadcast channel and FS1 starting in the fall of '17. The deal runs six years and could cost Fox as much as $250M per year, depending on the amount of rights the Big Ten conference puts in its second package. (via Sports Business Daily) 

Simply put, FS1 needed a big deal to compete with ESPN, and they finally got what they needed landing half of Big Ten's TV deal for both football and basketball. Big Ten is the cream of the crop and will drive big ratings for FOX. Big East has been good for FOX, but the numbers the Big Ten will do should be out of this world if they aren't showing sub-standard football and basketball game. 

FOX now has three of the five Power 5 conferences for college football in terms of viewing rights - Pac12, Big 12 and Big Ten. That's a pretty good blend and the flexibility to move these games around. Big Ten Network is likely to take the biggest hit with this move. As some of those games will get knocked up to FOX. The funniest thing Jim Delany could do is give FOX some of the worst games of the week. 

Not sure yet what it means for the Big East. More money goes into Marquette's checkbook, but does that mean they will get bounced for the Badgers?  Will FOX take advantage of the the rivalry and keep it at FS1? Wisconsin will be one of the premier teams that FOX will try to feature often. 

Charlie.