Big Ten Objects to Amazon-Duke Basketball Deal Over Michigan Game Rights

Duke's athletic department announced last week that Amazon would stream three nonconference men's basketball games next season for the Blue Devils. The matchups include UConn, Michigan and Gonzaga. But the Michigan game has hit a snag.

Amazon is entering college athletics broadcasting with this deal, centered on Duke. The agreement with Duke and Amazon aimed to test new streaming options for college sports on Prime Video.

Yahoo Sports first reported the issue one day after the announcement. The Big Ten, Michigan's conference, objects to the ESPN-Duke agreement granting Amazon broadcast rights for the game.

Duke needed approval from ESPN, the ACC's TV rights holder, to air games outside ESPN networks. Duke traded future participation for the flexibility.

"In exchange for the flexibility to participate in this Prime Video series of nonconference games, Duke has committed to participate in select additional ESPN owned and operated men's basketball neutral-site events across the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons," Duke said in a statement.

Michigan belongs to the Big Ten, which believes the nonconference game falls under its TV deal for the upcoming season. Last year, ESPN aired Michigan's 68-63 loss to Duke in Washington, D.C. This year, the Big Ten's deal is with FOX.

Duke and Amazon knew of this detail before announcing. Sources told OutKick the Big Ten planned to contest the inclusion of the Michigan game, prompting quick awareness from ESPN and Duke.

The dispute also involves regional territory. The UConn game is in Las Vegas, outside its territory, and the Gonzaga game is in Detroit. But the Big Ten views New York City, site of the Michigan-Duke game, as within its footprint.

Possible resolutions include ESPN, Duke and Amazon paying the Big Ten a six-figure sum, or FOX handling production of the Michigan game. Alternatively, Duke and Amazon could replace Michigan if the hassle proves too great.