The Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big Ten Conference are exploring a nonconference scheduling agreement that could boost media rights revenue.
According to USA TODAY Sports’ Matt Hayes, the two power conferences are discussing a potential deal following the success of three early-season matchups: USC vs. LSU, Wisconsin vs. Alabama, and Michigan vs. Texas. These games were among the most-watched in the first month of college football.
To significantly impact media rights deals, Hayes reports that the conferences would need to schedule 12-16 regular-season nonconference games annually.
This move would:
- Draw unique advertising revenue
- Appeal to broadcast partners
- Increase revenue for schools
- Potentially aid revenue-sharing with student-athletes
- Counter private equity in college football
Key considerations include:
- Conference schedule structures (SEC plays 8 league games, Big Ten plays 9)
- Protected nonconference rivalries (e.g., SEC’s Florida-Florida State, Big Ten’s Michigan-Notre Dame)
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti have expressed interest in finding inward solutions without super leagues.
A potential agreement would significantly shape the future of college football.
