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Posted on Sat, May 19, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.

Big Ten, already nation's richest conference, to award record payout to member schools

By Kyle Meinke

The rich get richer.

The Big Ten is expected to dole out a record $24.6 million to each of its member schools, according to a report by the St. Louis Post-Dispatach. The report cites figures provided by the Illinois athletic department.

UMFB_Hoke_ESPN_Interview.jpg

Michigan football coach Brady Hoke is interviewed by ESPN after a 31-14 win at Illinois last season. Television contracts with the Big Ten Network, ESPN/ABC and CBS contributed more than $17 million to each Big Ten member school.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com

Nebraska, which is closing its first academic year in the Big Ten, will not receive a full share.

The estimated payout is expected to include $7.2 million from the Big Ten Network, a dip from last year's $7.9 million. However, TV deals with ESPN/ABC and CBS will result in $10 million per school, a 22 percent increase from last year, according to the report.

The Big Ten paid its 11 members almost $22.8 million last year, making it the richest conference in the country. By comparison, the SEC paid an average of $19.5 million in 2011.

Check out the full story on stltoday.com.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

Comments

aarox

Mon, May 21, 2012 : 4:57 a.m.

Apparently none of this is earmarked for the marching band to support our teams.

Hailmary

Mon, May 21, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.

Might you be a band member ?

FRED

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.

With Michigan being the only school that separates its athletic department funding from the rest of the institution, will they receive the full $24.6 million? If not, how is the money divided within Michigan? Also, Big Ten network is really under-used. Big Ten is more than just athletics. It also has great academics as well as performing art. Why don't BTN sponsor B1G championship for ballet, modern dance, piano, orchestra, etc. Have a B1G science challenge. Bring the competition from the field and court to the classroom and the stage. Surely, other conference would start their own sports network, by being more than just a sports network, B1G schools would attract the best and brightest from all walks of life.

J

Mon, May 21, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.

http://www.annarbor.com/sports/big-ten-network-cuts-academic-programming-citing-low-ratings/

Hailmary

Sun, May 20, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.

"Not so fast" Howard. Fred just might be on to something.

Howard the Duck

Sun, May 20, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.

Cause about three people would watch it.

1bit

Sat, May 19, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.

Although the value of the education the student-athletes receive is substantial, is there not some way these Universities can share these proceeds with these kids? Does a free education adequately compensate them for potential lifelong injuries? Could money be held in escrow for them such that if they graduate with a degree that they could receive it? How about lifetime health benefits? So congrats to the B1G. But moreso to the kids who play the games that we enjoy watching and supporting. Go Blue!