Big Ten approves five-year Petitti contract extension

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has been granted a five-year contract extension through summer 2033 by unanimous approval. Since taking the job in 2023, he has overseen the conference’s expansion to 18 teams, adding Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington, and presided over record revenue of about $1.47 billion in 2024-25. Under his leadership, the Big Ten has claimed three consecutive CFP national championships (2023–2025) and has pursued expanding the playoff format to 24 teams. The extension will keep Petitti in place to negotiate the next media-rights deal, with the current seven-year, $7 billion contract expiring in 2030. Indiana President Pamela Whitten, chair of the council, lauded his vision, leadership, and collaborative approach during turbulent times. Petitti’s background includes leadership roles in MLB and advocacy for stabilization of college athletics amid a shifting sports landscape.