Big Ten Network and Compass Media Networks have extended their radio rights partnership. The multi-year deal now adds women’s basketball for the first time.
What We Know: Compass Media Networks will continue producing and broadcasting the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament and the Big Ten Football Championship Game. Those rights, held since 2010, span terrestrial radio, satellite, and digital platforms. Additionally, Compass now holds exclusive audio rights to the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. That marks the first time the women’s tournament will receive national radio syndication, starting with the March 7, 2027 championship.
What They Said: Michael Calderon, SVP, Programming & Digital Media, Big Ten Network: “We are thrilled to renew this partnership. We’re especially happy for our partners and fans who will continue to have full access to these broadcasts nationwide. Also, we are especially pleased to debut national audio cover of the Women’s Big Ten Tournament’s Championship Game in March.”
Robert Blum, General Manager of Sports Programming for Compass Media Networks: “We are honored to continue this special partnership. We look forward to our upcoming coverage of the Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game. As well as the TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament and for the first time the Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.”
Paul Gregrey, President of Sales & Marketing from Compass Media Networks: “The Big Ten Conference has been a tremendous partner for many years, and we so much appreciate the value this partnership delivers to our sponsors. We cannot wait for the upcoming season.”
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify the deal’s exact length or financial terms.
What It Means: The expansion signals growing investment in women’s college basketball audio coverage nationwide. For Compass, it deepens an already 17-year relationship with the Big Ten. For fans, it means broader access ahead of the 2027 season.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.