Michigan clarifies stance on Big Ten future amid capital investment dispute
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Following comments made earlier in the week by the school’s board of regents, a dispute between Michigan and the Big Ten over a capital investment proposal that would flush the league with cash but, in Michigan’s view, be detrimental to the league’s future seemed to threaten the future of the partnership.
On Thursday, the board released a statement saying, in part, it is “committed” to the Big Ten going forward.
Earlier this week, a report from the Detroit Free Press stated that Michigan could consider going independent in 2036 if the Big Ten agreed to receive private capital investment without unanimous consent. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti had been in discussions with a private equity firm about a multi-billion-dollar investment. Michigan opposed the move.
University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker told the Free Press this week that U-M “would consider” leaving the Big Ten over the deal.
On Thursday, the board met to discuss the proposal and released a statement shortly after clarifying their stance.
“We remain opposed to this deal. Importantly, we are committed to the Big Ten Conference and will continue to explore opportunities that address the pressing financial challenges facing Big Ten athletic departments,” said Mark Bernstein, chair for Michigan’s Board of Regents.
The capital deal is reportedly on hold.
Michigan is one of the founding members of the Big Ten, college athletics’ oldest league. The Wolverines have been in the league since 1896, though they spent a decade as an independent from 1907-16 after being voted out.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
