The Big East Conference recently announced a new six-year media rights agreement, with FOX Sports continuing as the lead network provider. This agreement, which will run from 2025-26 through 2030-31, also includes coverage from NBC Sports and TNT Sports for the first time. The deal was unanimously approved by the 11 member schools of the conference.
FOX Sports, the main television partner of the Big East for the past 11 years, expressed excitement about the continuation of their partnership. Eric Shanks, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, highlighted the conference’s status as one of the top basketball conferences in the nation. The agreement will see coverage on various platforms including FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, Peacock, TNT, TBS, truTV, and Max.
The Big East Conference is known for its strong basketball programs, with UConn being a two-time defending men’s champion and making a return to the Women’s Final Four this past season. The new agreement will bring significant national broadcast, cable, and streaming coverage to Big East men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as Olympic championship contests.
Under the new deal, there will be more than 150 regular-season men’s games broadcasted across the networks’ platforms, including all league contests and Big East Tournament games. Women’s basketball coverage will also see a substantial increase, with the networks committing to at least triple the current coverage levels.
FOX Sports will showcase a minimum of 80 Big East men’s and women’s basketball games during the regular season and postseason starting in 2025-26. Additionally, FOX will continue to be the home of the men’s tournament final through 2031. This extended partnership aims to provide fans with a comprehensive viewing experience of Big East basketball.
The agreement between the Big East Conference and FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and TNT Sports signifies a commitment to promoting and showcasing the talents of student-athletes within the conference. With a focus on both men’s and women’s basketball, this deal will bring more games and coverage to fans across the country.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the Big East Conference and these major networks will solidify the conference’s position in the college basketball landscape and provide fans with an enhanced viewing experience for years to come.