The Big Ten is closing in on voting on a private capital agreement that will infuse league schools with more than $2 billion, industry sources told ESPN.
There's been momentum within recent days for the deal to push forward, and the structure of the complicated agreement is coming together. A vote is expected in the near future, per sources.
The framework calls for the formation of a new entity, Big Ten Enterprises, which would hold all leaguewide media rights and sponsorship contracts.
Shares of ownership in Big Ten Enterprises would fall to the league's 18 schools, the conference office and the capital group — an investment fund that's tied to the University of California pension system. Yahoo Sports first reported the involvement of the UC investment fund.
The pension fund is not a private equity firm, and the UC fund valuation proved to be higher than other competing bids. This has been attractive to the Big Ten and its schools, according to sources.
A source familiar with the deal said there's been momentum in recent days, but the league is still working with leadership to make a final decision.
The exact equity amounts per school in Big Ten Enterprises is still being negotiated. There is expected to be a small gap in equity percentage between the biggest brands and others, however it is likely to be less than a percentage point.
ESPN reported last week that a tiered structure is expected in the initial allocation of the $2 billion-plus in capital, with larger brands receiving more money. Each school, however, would receive a payout in at least the nine-figure range, sources said.
The deal would call for an extension of the league's Grant of Rights through 2046, providing long-term stability and making further
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