Ross Bjork pushes for Flexibility in Next Big Ten Media Deal to Accommodate More Ohio State Night Games
Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork is making it clear: the Buckeyes want to play more home games under the lights. Speaking at various industry panels and OSU media events, Bjork emphasized that the upcoming Big Ten media rights negotiations need to include explicit flexibility allowing Ohio State to schedule more night games at Ohio Stadium.
The current TV contracts with Fox, CBS, and NBC—signed in 2022—primarily slot marquee Ohio State games in the profitable “Big Noon” window, limiting late-season nighttime options by design . Bjork, who came to Columbus from night‑game heavy Texas A&M, believes Ohio State’s stature and fan base merit more primetime opportunities. He told the Columbus Dispatch that “streaming is not going away” and hinted that OSU’s brand value could be used to regain more control over scheduling .
He’s raised the issue in conversations with the Big Ten and broadcast partners, emphasizing that a more flexible deal would allow Ohio State to capture greater primetime exposure, enhance fan experience, and invigorate game‑day atmosphere. Bjork sees night games as a strategic lever: not just for recruits or ratings, but for driving home‑field advantage and energizing community engagement .
Looking ahead to the deal expiring in 2030–31, Bjork and Big Ten leadership are considering clauses that would give high-profile programs like Ohio State more autonomy in selecting kick‑off windows. Flex‑flex rules could allow Buckeye administration and TV networks to flex marquee games into primetime as viewership patterns evolve—and as streaming platforms like Peacock gain ground .
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In short, Bjork’s objective is clear: ensure that when the next Big Ten media deal is negotiated, Ohio State has the flexibility—with buy‑in from coaches, boosters, and networks—to shine under the lights more often.
