Big Ten Explores Private Equity Partnerships Amid $1 Billion Revenue Growth

The Big Ten Conference is experiencing significant financial growth, with projected revenues surpassing $1 billion this fiscal year and member schools expected to receive $82.7 million each, marking a 45 percent increase over three years. However, the introduction of athlete revenue sharing, allowing schools to distribute up to $20.5 million to athletes, has prompted Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti to explore new revenue streams, including potential partnerships with private equity firms to modernize conference operations and meet evolving financial demands. Meanwhile, the 2025 college football season previews highlight the competitiveness of the Big 12 Conference, with Arizona State emerging as a favorite following their surprise title run in 2024, and several other teams like Texas Tech, Kansas State, and Baylor poised to contend. The Big Ten remains strong in the 2025 US LBM Coaches Poll, with six teams ranked in the top 25, including Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan, underscoring the conference's football prowess. These developments reflect broader changes and intense competition within college athletics, as conferences adapt to new financial realities and strive for both athletic success and sustainable growth.