NEW: Big 10 Conference is COLLAPSING Over Private Equity, Selling Out as SEC, Big 12 Thrive in NIL

The Big Ten Conference is reportedly in advanced discussions for a private capital infusion of at least $2 billion from private equity firms. This potential deal is one of the most significant and transformative financial moves ever considered in college athletics, driven by the need for upfront cash and long-term stability in a rapidly evolving landscape, especially following the NCAA's settlement requiring direct revenue sharing with student-athletes.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!SupplyHouseJoin the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://www.supplyhouse.com/apply-for-trademasterto sign up for free and use promo code SHCOLLEGE5 for 5% off your first order. SquareTo learn more, go support your favorite neighborhood spot and see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods. And then if you have extra time, check out https://square.com/go/lockedoncollegePelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.PrizePicks — Run Your Game.Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE DoorDashWith DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.MazdaIt’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle. Mazda. Move and Be Moved. GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)The core of the proposal involves creating a new commercial entity, tentatively called Big Ten Enterprises. This entity would consolidate and manage the conference's revenue-generating assets, such as media rights and sponsorships. Financial Structure: The private capital firm would receive a small equity stake in Big Ten Enterprises—often cited as one of 20 shares (18 schools, the league, and the investor). In exchange for the up-front capital, the investor would receive annual payouts proportional to their share, but crucially, would have no influence over core governance (like scheduling, officiating, or championships). Upfront Payments and Tiered Distribution: The $2 billion would provide a substantial immediate cash payment to each of the 18 member schools, potentially in the nine-figure range. The money would be distributed using a tiered formula, likely favoring larger programs like Ohio State and Michigan. Grant of Rights Extension: A key component of the deal is a proposed 10-year extension of the league's grant of rights until 2046. This extension would legally tie member schools to the Big Ten's media rights for decades, effectively locking in the conference and safeguarding against further realignment or the formation of a "super league." The deal currently faces resistance from some major programs, most notably Michigan and Ohio State, as the conference seeks unanimous approval for the controversial move.