re: The Big Ten’s revenue distributions will top $52 million per school next year

Streaming services could be a factor that keeps the bubble expanding. Netflix & Amazon have billions available to invest, and the rights to sporting events is an opportunity to expand their offerings, while striking a big blow to traditional TV.

The old model of adding Maryland or Rutgers to a conference primarily because they are in heavily populated areas is quickly becoming outdated. That bubble will burst soon.

That model relied heavily on subscriber fees to generate revenue. Those fees are determined by a universities footprint. Both Maryland and Rutgers have a footprint across multiple states in heavily populated areas, so the Big Ten network charges higher rates to cable/satellite companies in those areas.

However, cord cutting has put the emphasis on viewership and quality. Rutgers isn’t attracting viewers, but they do generate revenue through backdoor fees.