The Big Ten is exploring a private capital deal that would bring at least $2B into the league, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel. The deal would come alongside the formation of a commercial entity, tentatively named Big Ten Enterprises, to house all revenue generation, with 20 equity shares held by each member, the conference and a new investor and an extension of the B1G’s grant of rights through 2046. Thamel and Wetzel note the league is considering three different private capital entities. Further: “While there is support from nearly the entire league, according to sources, a few of the league's biggest brands -- including Ohio State and Michigan -- are still in discussions with the league. The aim is to have unanimous support before a vote, sources told ESPN. […] The potentially groundbreaking plan, which has been presented across the 18-member conference over the last few months, calls for immediate cash payments to each school, the amount based on a formula that factors in numerous variables including current budgets. The amount of those payments is still being discussed, but the basic format, sources told ESPN, is believed to be tiered. All schools in the league are expected to receive at least a nine-figure amount up front. The final financial details are still being discussed as bigger brands are expected to receive more money.” (link)