The money infusion is acutely needed at a number of Big Ten schools that are struggling with debt service on new construction, rising operational expenses and providing additional scholarships and direct revenue ($20.5 million this year and expected to rise annually) to athletes.
The Big Ten has argued that the deal would alleviate financial strain and help middle- and lower-tier Big Ten schools compete in football against the SEC.
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The deal has not been without detractors, with both Michigan and Ohio State -- the league's two wealthiest athletic programs -- expressing skepticism initially, per sources. Each school has been hit with significant lobbying not just from the league office but also other conference members to come to an agreement.
Politicians in a number of states have also voiced opposition, including United States Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) who stated Thursday, "You're going to let someone take and monetize what is really a public resource? ...That's a real problem."
Cantwell followed up Friday by sending a letter to each Big Ten president warning that any deal involving private equity could invite review, including impacting the schools' tax-exempt status.
https://www.espn.com/college-sports...ses-private-equity-agreement-vote-per-sources