The Big Ten generated nearly $1.47 billion in the 2024-2025 fiscal year and distributed $1.37 billion to its 18 members, the league announced Friday.
Revenue surged $540 million above the conferenceโs 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 the Southeastern Conference ($1.03 billion)ย announced in February. In perspective, the Big 12 reported $460 million in overall revenue in its most recent available tax return.
The leagueโs 55 percent revenue increase stemmed from several factors. It marked the leagueโs first 18-member season, its first full year under the Big Tenโs media rights agreement โ which brought in more than $1 billion โ 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 leagueโs 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 brought in 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.
