ESPN would be a fool to lose the B1G contract. There will be a massive bidding war. I'm sure Delany already knows what Fox will offer, which is where the $40/$45 million per school figure is coming from. ESPN can always match or exceed the offer Fox makes.
Personally, I think the B1G contract will be split up among several entities. Much like how Fox owns the B1G Championship Game now in its own separate deal. I think we might see something like that.
At any rate, having 11 state flagship universities means big bucks for the B1G. Only having 1 private school is a huge advantage, and even that 1 private school is located in the Chicago market, which is advantageous.
Whoever lands the B1G contract will have the B1G rating$$$$$.
Personally, I think the B1G contract will be split up among several entities. Much like how Fox owns the B1G Championship Game now in its own separate deal. I think we might see something like that.
At any rate, having 11 state flagship universities means big bucks for the B1G. Only having 1 private school is a huge advantage, and even that 1 private school is located in the Chicago market, which is advantageous.
Whoever lands the B1G contract will have the B1G rating$$$$$.