The Big Ten is in discussions about a private capital deal that would infuse at least $2 billion into the league and its schools, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The discussions include a 10-year extension of the league's grant of rights until 2046, sources told ESPN, which would ensure long-term stability in the Big Ten. According to sources, the private capital deal and grant of rights extension have been discussed for months and presented in multiple forms. A deal and the grant of rights extension would also be a distinct blow to the outside entities attempting to form super leagues around college sports. While there is support from nearly the entire league, according to sources, a few of the league's biggest brands -- including Ohio State and Michigan -- are still in discussions with the league. The aim is to have unanimous support before a vote, sources told ESPN. _______________________ 1. What’s their endgame here? More professionalization? Better monetization of OOC games? A super league? 2. For whatever reason, the Big Ten will likely be the first conference to get private equity or private capital investment. 3. I’ve said this before, but I speculate that the GoR extension was likely a real reason the B12 paused its pursuit of private equity or private capital. If you have even a 1% chance of receiving a P2 invitation, you wouldn’t want to sign the GoR extension.