Big Ten schools receive record $1.37 billion from 2024-25 fiscal year

The Big Ten generated nearly $1.47 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year and distributed $1.37 billion to its 18 members, the league announced Friday.

Revenue surged $540 million above the conference’s previous high, and the league disbursed $490 million more to its schools in fiscal 2025 than in the previous year. The total distribution was $340 million higher than what the Southeastern Conference ($1.03 billion) announced in February. For perspective, the Big 12 reported $460 million in overall revenue in its most recent available tax return.

The league’s 55 percent revenue increase stemmed from several factors. It marked the league’s first 18-member season, its first full year under the Big Ten’s media rights agreement — which brought in more than $1 billion — and coincided with the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Four Big Ten teams qualified, two advanced to the semifinals, and Ohio State won the tournament.

Sixteen of the league’s schools are fully vested members and received full shares, but their total amounts varied by CFP participation. Ohio State secured $91.55 million, Penn State earned $88.9 million, and Indiana collected $81 million, while 13 other members collected between $76 million and $79 million. Oregon and Washington receive only partial shares until 2030 and earned $48 million and $46 million, respectively. Oregon competed in the 2024-25 CFP, which explains the $2 million difference.

As part of his retirement package, former Commissioner Jim Delany totaled $5.82 million in bonuses and deferred compensation plus $600,000 in consulting fees. Delany retired on Jan. 2, 2020. Current Commissioner Tony Petitti reported more than $4.5 million in compensation.

Among other expenses, the Big Ten spent more than $6 million on legal fees and $5 million on officiating technology.