NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery have secured the rights to broadcast Big East games from the 2025-26 season onwards, following CBS’s exit. This move is part of a growing trend among major media companies to build sports portfolios that draw high ratings without incurring excessive costs.
As per the terms of the new six-year agreement, NBC and its Peacock streaming service will broadcast a total of 60 games for both men’s and women’s regular seasons and tournaments. Meanwhile, Warner’s TNT Sports channels will air a combined total of 65 games each season, primarily on TNT, with some also available on TBS or TruTV. Additionally, all games will be accessible on Warner’s Max streaming platform. Fox retains the most significant broadcast rights, with a deal in place to show 80 games overall.
Luis Silberwasser, chairman and CEO of TNT Sports, expressed excitement about the agreement, stating that it further enhances TNT Sports’ lineup of high-quality live sports content with top-tier college basketball programs and student-athletes. Warner has been actively expanding its sports rights portfolio, acquiring rights to two college football championship games and the French Open recently while planning to discontinue its NBA package.
Rick Cordella, president of NBC Sports, highlighted the significance of featuring Big East Basketball on NBCUniversal platforms. He emphasized the conference’s rich basketball history and exciting moments it creates while striving to diversify its sports offerings on Peacock. The company is gearing up to introduce various innovations for streaming subscribers to enhance their viewing experience related to the Paris Olympics.
The Big East conference is known for its competitiveness in men’s basketball and women’s field hockey, featuring prominent schools like Georgetown University and the University of Connecticut. With this acquisition by NBCUniversal and Warner Bros., fans can look forward to more thrilling action as they witness top-tier college athletes compete against each other in one of America’s premier conferences.
In conclusion, this acquisition signifies a significant investment in college basketball by major media companies as they continue to build robust sports portfolios that attract viewers without breaking bank. The Big East conference adds yet another prestigious addition to their roster as they gear up for more exciting moments ahead in men’s basketball and women’s field hockey.
