The Michigan State athletic department is close to finalizing a deal to outsource its multi-media rights to Fox Sports, a move that would bring in more money but would not alter its radio broadcasting situation.
MSU is the last athletic department in major college sports to do its multi-media rights in-house, which allows more control over corporate sponsorships but is not as profitable. MSU athletic director Mark Hollis has said in the past that MSU might eventually go to a third party.
The Sports Business Journal reported today that the deal with Fox Sports will be for $150 million over 15 years, calling it “among the most lucrative” in the country.
An intake of $10 million a year would be an increase of about $3 million a year for MSU, or $45 million over the life of the deal. MSU athletics is operating on a $107 million budget for the 2015-16 budget year.
Currently, MSU and radio partner Spartan Sports Network combine on corporate sponsorships. Spartan Sports Network handles radio and print, and MSU handles the rest.
Will Tieman, who owns the Spartan Sports Network along with Wendy Hart and serves as play-by-play announcer for MSU men’s basketball, said if this deal is finalized, Fox Sports would handle everything. That would not change the network’s role in broadcasting MSU games and other events.
Credit to the Detroit Free Press who originally published this article
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
