INDIANAPOLIS — Under the lights in the cavernous interior of Lucas Oil Stadium, Tony Petitti takes the stage.
It’s the start of a new era for Washington and the Big Ten. The differences between the Huskies’ previous home in the Pac-12 and its new one were apparent before Petitti, the commissioner, uttered a single word.
Take the setting, for example. Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts, looms large on the city’s skyline and is arguably its most recognizable building. In less than five months, two teams will meet on this field with a chance to win the Big Ten championship.
This event is about football. This conference is about football. Zouk Nightclub in Las Vegas, where the Pac-12’s last media day was held, feels a universe away. Welcome to Big Ten country.
“College football has never been stronger,” Petitti said, “especially in the Big Ten Conference.”
Big Ten media days, now a three-day event to accommodate the entire 18-team conference, began at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Washington coach Jedd Fisch and UW’s player representatives won’t speak until Thursday, but Petitti, along with players and coaches from Illinois, Northwestern, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Purdue and Ohio State, met the media Tuesday.
Washington, USC, UCLA and Oregon officially join the Big Ten on Aug. 2. Petitti described the process of identifying the four new members as a “holistic approach.” He added academic standing and competitiveness in multiple sports helped the former Pac-12 schools’ case, and praised the four schools for their fit across multiple categories. However, Petitti acknowledged one factor had a particularly important emphasis.
“Are you bringing additional value to the conference in football?” Petitti said. “It’s no secret that football is a large, large part of the revenue that’s driven to support the whole ecosystem. We understand that. So when you’re evaluating potential members, football sort of moves to the front of the line in terms of the athletic piece.”
Petitti said the conference is working with all four of the new arrivals to help them integrate into the Big Ten, including having discussions about scheduling, championship formats, marketing, brand alignment and incorporation into the Big Ten Academic Alliance. He said feedback from student-athletes will be considered and adjustments will be made as necessary
going forward.
Washington, in particular, has found itself in a difficult position because of the move. The athletic department is saddled with around $240 million in stadium renovation debt which it owes to the university’s internal lending program.
The Huskies borrowed $20 million from the Big Ten and FOX Sports against their future full shares of the Big Ten media rights which they don’t earn until 2030. The athletic department also estimated Washington will have around $30 million in one-time costs as part of their move, including an on-campus broadcast studio for the Big Ten Network.
Petitti declined to comment specifically about Washington’s operating budget, stating he didn’t have enough details. However, he did say the conference has been supportive and understanding to help UW make the transition.
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