In addition to the rights fees generated by the BTN, the conference retains a controlling interest in the network, with Fox Cable Networks owning a minority interest. Ultimately the conference structured an arrangement that would provide solid programming for both ABC/ESPN and the BTN, agreeing to a process where ABC/ESPN selects a "premier" game each week, with the BTN having the ability to show hundreds of high demand games. The games that would have been only "regional" under prior media contracts are now carried by the BTN. What has changed from prior years is that there are no longer any syndicated games (the 40 or so conference football games that "ESPN plus" broadcast). The conference used this inventory as the first step in establishing the Big Ten Network.ĪBC, ESPN, and ESPN2 will broadcast approximately the same number of conference football games as they did last year. We believe, and this year continues to confirm, that this retained inventory has considerable value. In our new agreement with ABC/ESPN, the conference was able to get back about half of the conference football games and about 2/3 of the conference basketball game "inventory" without sacrificing any reduction in the rights fees. Naturally, one of the main goals of the conference television contracts is to maximize the exposure and value of these contracts for the conference schools.
Conference television agreements are often in force for this period of time, and every decade or so renegotiations are made with the networks to ensure the long term vitality of the conference. The prior conference football and basketball broadcasting contracts took effect in 1997, and expired at the completion of the 2006 seasons. If it wasn't broke, why did you try to fix it We will continue to keep you updated periodically on announcements and updates on the Big Ten Network ("BTN"). I thought it would be helpful to respond to the most common questions and comments. While we read each e-mail, it is virtually impossible to respond to all. If there is one thing that has been a positive, it's been the renewed feeling that fall Saturday's of Michigan football UNITES the entire University community students, alumni, and fans of our great University. There has been an intense emotional reaction to the formation of our new network. We respect each individual's opinion, and we think it is important for our fans to understand the reasons behind our decisions. Many have been supportive of our position, others have not. My message to our fans about the Big Ten Network (October 16, 2007) has generated several hundred electronic mail responses.
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