Illinois AD Josh Whitman comments on impact of media rights deal on B1G hoops
Illinois AD Josh Whitman met with the media Monday for the first time since the B1G announced its new media rights package. That deal runs through the 2029-30 season and will place football and basketball broadcasts across FOX, CBS and NBC networks.
One interesting aspect of the new deal relates to B1G basketball broadcasts. As a part of the deal, up to 47 men’s basketball and 30 women’s basketball games directly on Peacock.
Whitman addressed that topic Monday and noted it will be around 20% of regular-season men’s basketball games will be put on Peacock. Whitman noted there are advantages and disadvantages to every decision but also pointed out Peacock is a “growing platform.”
#illini AD Josh Whitman: About 20% of men’s basketball will be on Peacock.
“It’s a growing platform. It’s one we’re excited to work with.”
There are advantages and disadvantages to partners we considered.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 22, 2022
For what it’s worth, the Peacock aspect of the media rights deal is one that a number of fans were frustrated about on social media. We’ll see how it plays out in time.