Maybe the Big Ten should go on 'Shark Tank'

Big Ten executives are moving forward with a $2.4 billion investment deal, according to a report by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.

Despite opposition from Michigan and USC the conference plans to seek approval from the other 16 members for a cash infusion from a California pension fund, exchanging a 10 percent stake in the league's TV revenues for the money.

The proposed deal would give UC Investments a share of the league's revenues for 20 years, while giving assenting schools much-needed capital to pay off debt and make facilities improvements. Critics say the proposal amounts to "a payday loan."

As one of the more well-funded and successful members of the B1G the Ducks will have to consider their options carefully as officials try to force a vote on the proposal, which some say bails out poorer programs for inadequate financial management.

The deal grants more money to Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State, extends the conference's grant of rights for 10 additional years in exchange for approximately $135 million per school of instant cash, though it creates a permanent unequal distribution in that money, and Oregon remains a junior revenue partner as a new member.

It's not a deal until everyone agrees and signs, but in a rapidly changing landscape with revenue sharing, NIL, escalating coaching salaries and buyouts, and the ever-present facilities arms race, jumping at a chunk of cash in the short term might not be the best move. Programs with a sound long-term plan always fare better.

On the playing fields and courses, Oregon won eight Big Ten championships in their first year in the league, and the men's and women's cross country teams have already won two more in 2025-26. What's good for Michigan, Ohio State and USC isn't necessarily good for the Ducks.