Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens Blasts Reported Big 10 Private Equity Deal

November 25, 2025
Press Release
Stevens warns Big 10 deal risks putting corporate greed ahead of Michigan students and tradition

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens sent a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti warning that the conference’s reported plan to sell a 10% stake in its media rights to UC Investments for $2.4 billion risks putting corporate profits ahead of student-athletes, college sports, and university integrity.

Stevens blasted the proposal as the latest step in a troubling pattern of corporate influence overwhelming college sports and leading to nonsensical conference realignment.

“College sports are a uniquely American tradition that have provided valuable experience for generations of college athletes, students, and fans. Nowhere is that more true than in the Big Ten,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “As policymakers, we have a responsibility to ensure that the integrity of college sports, the Big Ten, and its member universities is preserved for future generations, not sacrificed for short-term financial gain.”

Stevens warned that giving private investors control over a major university revenue source could threaten university independence, non-revenue-driven sports, and Title IX athletic programs. She warned that private equity gaining a bigger stake in the Big 10 could lead to further conference realignment and create a race-to-the-bottom that only hurts fans and athletes.

Stevens’ letter demands answers from the Big 10 commissioner by December 12, to three key questions:

  1. How the Big Ten would protect the independence and internal governance of its member universities from private equity influence;
  2. How the conference would safeguard non-revenue and Title IX athletics programs in a media-revenue-driven environment;
  3. How leadership would ensure that the financial interests of UC Investments or other potential private investors do not supersede the public-serving mission of Big Ten institutions.

A full copy of the letter is available here.

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