Ad Disclosure
Illinois AD Josh Whitman comments on impact of media rights deal on B1G hoops
By Paul Harvey
Published:
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.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.