Why was the Big Ten's $2.4 billion investment deal paused?

The deal was paused because two member schools, Michigan and USC, expressed opposition, causing investors to halt discussions.

Which Big Ten schools opposed the investment plan?

Michigan and USC were the primary schools reportedly opposing the deal, leading to its temporary suspension.

What impact does the paused deal have on Big Ten schools?

The pause means no immediate $130 million checks for the 16 schools and delays the extension of media rights agreements.

Home / Sports / Big Ten Deal Paused: Investors Flee Disagreement

Big Ten Deal Paused: Investors Flee Disagreement

18 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Big Ten's $2.4 billion investment deal with UC Investments is on hold.
Michigan and USC opposed the deal, citing concerns over selling equity.
The conference faces internal friction due to expansion and revenue shifts.

Big Ten Deal Paused: Investors Flee Disagreement

The Big Ten's ambitious plan to secure a $2.4 billion investment from UC Investments has been put on hold for several months. This significant deal, aimed at providing a substantial financial boost to the conference, faced opposition from key members, including Michigan and USC, leading investors to pause discussions. The dissent reportedly stems from concerns about selling long-term equity for short-term gain, with Michigan's leadership notably critical of the proposal.

The pause in negotiations means that the planned financial distribution to the conference's 16 participating schools will not proceed as anticipated. Furthermore, the extension of media rights agreements, crucial for the conference's financial future, is also temporarily stalled. This situation underscores the growing challenges the Big Ten faces in achieving consensus among its expanded and geographically diverse membership.