The news everyone knew was imminent finally dropped on Thursday: The Big Ten has signed a lucrative media rights deal worth either $7 billion or $8 billion over seven years — depending on which report you believe — starting in July 2023.
ESPN.com and Sports Illustrated are each reporting the lower figure, while The Athletic and Sports Business Journal are each reporting the higher figure. Regardless, even the lower figure sets a new standard in the arms race between the Big Ten and SEC and leaves the other three Power 5 conferences further in the rear view mirror.