The Fox Sports division of US network Fox is reportedly close to acquiring media rights for the collegiate sports championships of the Big Ten Conference, a deal that would signal the end of sports broadcaster ESPN’s tenure over the complete rights package.
Citing an industry source, the Chicago Tribune newspaper said Fox and the Big Ten have agreed basic terms on a six-year deal, from 2017 until 2022, worth up to $250m (€219.9m) per year.
The deal will cover approximately 25 American football matches and 50 men’s basketball games.
The Fox deal will represent half the package of games ESPN has under its current 10-year deal, which will expire next spring.