Washington joining the Big Ten will earn $30 million in media deal payout as realignment changes the landscape of college football

Washington will officially become a member of the Big Ten on Aug. 2, marking the end of their time in the Pac-12. The university agreed to join the conference last summer following the implosion of the Pac-12 due to its inability to secure a lucrative television contract.

To facilitate that move, the Huskies agreed to earn a discounted media revenue throughout the course of the television contract set to commence next season. Unlike other Big Ten teams who will earn around $60 million, Washington and Oregon are due for just $30 million.

The agreement with the Big Ten will, however, see the Huskies take a $1 million increase in their annual media revenue throughout the seven years of the conference media deal. It means the highest media revenue they will be earning in their first seven years is $35 million.

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Washington becomes a full revenue-sharing member in the next media deal

Washington as a member of the Big Ten will only earn the same amount as the rest of the conference when a new television contract is agreed. The current media of the Big Ten, which is worth $7 billion, commenced in 2023 and will run until the 2029 college football season.

Despite the discounted media earnings, moving to the Big Ten was seen as a much better option than staying in the Pac-12. The then university athletic director, Jen Cohen, noted after the move was announced that the long-term stability the Big Ten offered was crucial.

“The Big Ten's history of athletic and academic success and long-term stability best positions our teams for future success, and we are energized at the opportunity to compete at the highest level against some of the best programs in the country,” Cohen said.

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Can Washington compete in the Big Ten?

Without a doubt, Washington is transitioning into a stronger league with its move to the Big Ten, and there are questions about its ability to keep up with the league’s competitiveness.

While there are a lot of doubts out there, the university president Ana Mari Cauce expressed her confidence in the school's ability to compete in the conference following their acceptance.

"The Big Ten is a thriving conference with strong athletic and academic traditions, and we are excited and confident about competing at the highest level on a national stage," Cauce said.

The Huskies won the Pac-12 championship and reached the national championship game last season. However, the core team of individuals that achieve that goal has left the program, including players, coaches and the athletic director.