**What Is The Notre Dame Football Television Contract Worth?**
The Notre Dame Football Television Contract is a unique and valuable asset in college athletics, and monstertelevision.com delves into the details of this exclusive partnership. Notre Dame’s independent status and national appeal are key factors in securing lucrative media rights deals, and we explore the history, financial implications, and future prospects of this agreement, considering both broadcast rights and streaming options, ensuring maximum exposure for the Fighting Irish. Stay tuned to explore the Fighting Irish, TV deals, and streaming services.
1. What Is the History of the Notre Dame Football Television Contract?
The Notre Dame football television contract began in 1991, marking a groundbreaking move for college football broadcasting. This deal was the first exclusive collegiate football broadcasting agreement, making NBC the home of six Notre Dame home games each season. Over the years, the contract has been extended and expanded, reflecting Notre Dame’s enduring popularity and the evolving media landscape.
1.1. The Initial Deal (1991-1995)
In 1990, Notre Dame broke away from the College Football Association to sign an exclusive agreement with NBC. This initial contract, spanning from 1991 to 1995, was reportedly worth $35 million, translating to $7 million per season. This deal was a significant gamble, but it paid off by establishing Notre Dame as a unique brand in college football.
1.2. Subsequent Extensions and Growth (1996-2025)
The contract has been extended multiple times, each reflecting an increase in value.
- 1994 Extension (1996-2000): $38 million ($7.6 million/season)
- 1997 Extension (2001-2005): $40 million ($8 million/season)
- 2003 Extension (2006-2010): $45 million ($9 million/season)
- 2008 Extension (2011-2015): $60 million ($12 million/season), including Shamrock Series neutral site games.
- 2013 Extension (2016-2025): Approximately $150 million, averaging $15 million/season but reportedly backloaded to $22 million/year recently.
These extensions reflect Notre Dame’s increasing market value and strategic importance in college football broadcasting.
1.3. The Latest Extension (2026-2029)
In 2023, Notre Dame and NBC reached a four-year extension covering the 2026 through 2029 seasons. The contract is believed to be worth approximately $200 million, roughly $50 million per season. This deal solidifies Notre Dame’s position as a top-tier program in terms of media rights revenue.
2. How Does Notre Dame’s Viewership Impact Its TV Contract?
Notre Dame’s consistently high viewership figures significantly enhance its negotiation power for television contracts. Over the past few seasons, the Fighting Irish have consistently ranked among the top 10 in national viewership averages. This high level of interest translates into substantial revenue and favorable terms in media rights deals.
2.1. Recent Viewership Trends
The Irish have consistently secured top viewership numbers, including top-7 most-viewed games in the last three seasons. In 2023, four games exceeded 5 million viewers, with the game against Ohio State becoming the second most-viewed game in NBC history.
- 2021 Season: Average viewership of 2.84 million (9th nationally), with the game against Florida State drawing 7.75 million viewers.
- 2022 Season: Average viewership of 3.30 million (6th nationally), with the game against Ohio State reaching 10.53 million viewers.
- 2023 Season: Average viewership of 3.46 million (8th nationally), with the game against Ohio State drawing 9.98 million viewers.
2.2. Peacock’s Role in Viewership
Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, has played an increasing role in Notre Dame’s viewership strategy. Since 2021, Peacock has been the exclusive home of one Notre Dame home game per season. While this has been a divisive topic among fans, it underscores the importance of streaming in modern sports broadcasting. In addition to exclusive games, Peacock also streams all home games simultaneously with the regular NBC broadcast.
2.3. Impact on Contract Value
Notre Dame’s strong viewership ensures that NBC and other media partners receive a significant return on their investment. This high level of engagement justifies the substantial financial commitments made by broadcasters and contributes to the increasing value of Notre Dame’s media rights. According to research from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, in July 2025, high viewership directly correlates with increased advertising revenue and subscription rates for streaming services.
3. How Profitable Is Notre Dame Football Compared to Other Programs?
Notre Dame’s financial success is largely due to its exclusive media rights deal with NBC. As of 2022, Notre Dame ranks as the 5th most profitable program in college football, bringing in approximately $54 million per year after expenses. This financial strength allows Notre Dame to maintain its independent status and invest in its athletic programs.
3.1. Top Programs by Profitability (2022)
Here’s a comparison of Notre Dame’s profitability against other top programs:
| Rank | School | Profit (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $98 |
| 2 | Tennessee | $70 |
| 3 | LSU | $58 |
| 4 | Michigan | $56 |
| 5 | Notre Dame | $54 |
| 6 | Georgia | $50 |
| 7 | Ohio State | $50 |
| 8 | Oklahoma | $48 |
| 9 | Auburn | $47 |
| 10 | Alabama | $46 |
| 11 | Oregon | $40 |
| 12 | Florida State | $39 |
3.2. Impact of New Deal
The new television contract, effective in 2026, is expected to significantly boost Notre Dame’s revenue. With an estimated $50 million per year, Notre Dame could potentially move up to 3rd in profitability among college football programs.
3.3. Independence and Financial Strength
Notre Dame’s financial independence allows it to make decisions that align with its values and long-term goals. Unlike conference-bound programs, Notre Dame can negotiate its media rights independently, ensuring it receives fair compensation for its brand and viewership.
4. What Are the Financial Terms of the Notre Dame-NBC Deal?
The financial terms of the Notre Dame-NBC deal have been a subject of much speculation and analysis. While specific figures are not always publicly disclosed, industry experts provide insights into the contract’s value and its implications for Notre Dame and college football.
4.1. Estimated Annual Value
According to Pete Sampson of The Athletic, Notre Dame aimed for a deal worth around $50 million per year. This figure would place Notre Dame in the middle of the revenue spectrum compared to other major conferences like the BIG 10 and SEC, but ahead of the BIG 12 and ACC.
4.2. Comparison to Conference Deals
Here’s a comparison of media rights deals across different conferences and Notre Dame:
| Conference/Entity | Media Partners | Contract Duration | Total Value | Annual Value per Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIG 10 | Fox, CBS, NBC | 2023-2029 (7 years) | $7 Billion | $80-100 Million |
| SEC | ESPN | 2024-2033 (10 years) | $3 Billion | $55-75 Million |
| Notre Dame | NBC | 2026-2029 (4 years) | (Potentially) $200 Million | $50 Million |
| BIG 12 | ESPN & Fox | 2025-2030 (6 years) | $2.28 Billion | $30-35 Million |
| ACC | ESPN/ACC Network | 2017-2036 (20 years) | (Potentially) $11.2 Billion | $35-40 Million |
4.3. Home Game Revenue
Based on these figures, the approximate revenue per home game can be estimated:
| Conference/Entity | Approximate Revenue per Home Game |
|---|---|
| BIG 10 | $13.3-16.6 Million |
| SEC | $9.1-12.5 Million |
| Notre Dame | $8.3 Million |
| BIG 12 | $5-5.8 Million |
| ACC | $5.8-6.6 Million |
5. What Role Does Peacock Play in Notre Dame’s Television Strategy?
Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, has become an integral part of Notre Dame’s television strategy. Since 2021, Peacock has been the exclusive home of one Notre Dame home game per season. This partnership extends beyond exclusive games, with Peacock also streaming all home games simultaneously with the NBC broadcast.
5.1. Peacock Exclusive Games
The decision to have Peacock-exclusive games has been met with mixed reactions from Notre Dame fans. While some appreciate the convenience of streaming, others are frustrated by the need to subscribe to another service to watch their favorite team.
5.2. “Irish Knocks”: A New Documentary Series
One of the most unique aspects of the new deal is the addition of a Peacock exclusive “Hard Knocks” style documentary series, chronicling the Irish team’s season-long journey each year. This series, which Jack Swarbrick confirmed, aims to provide fans with unprecedented access to the team and its players.
5.3. Other Content on Peacock
In addition to football, Peacock also streams Notre Dame hockey games. The 2023-24 season marks the 11th season of Notre Dame hockey coverage, with Peacock streaming all 21 home games as part of the deal. Peacock will also become the home to the annual Blue-Gold Game and Notre Dame’s Pro Day.
6. How Does the NBC-BIG 10 Deal Affect Notre Dame?
The NBC-BIG 10 deal has significant implications for Notre Dame, both directly and indirectly. In 2022, NBC acquired broadcasting rights for BIG 10 football from 2023 through 2029, paying approximately $350 million per year for 15-16 games. This move has enhanced NBC’s college football footprint, which benefits Notre Dame.
6.1. Swarbrick’s Perspective
Jack Swarbrick commented on the deal in 2022, noting that it would help NBC more effectively promote Notre Dame’s games. The increased college football presence on NBC allows for greater exposure and promotion of the Fighting Irish.
6.2. Increased Media Exposure
With the addition of BIG 10 games, NBC has a prime-time college football product to broadcast even when Notre Dame is playing an away game. This helps make NBC a more significant staple in the college football consciousness, ultimately benefiting Notre Dame through increased media exposure.
6.3. Strategic Timing of the Deal
Notre Dame waited to strike its deal until after the NBC-BIG 10 agreement was finalized. Swarbrick admitted that the fact that NBC acquired more college football rights was an important part of their decision. The Irish were no longer on an island, and the expanded college football programming on NBC provided a more favorable environment for their media rights deal.
7. What Is the Significance of “Irish Knocks” on Peacock?
“Irish Knocks” represents a unique opportunity for Notre Dame to provide fans with an intimate look at the program. This documentary series, similar to HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” will chronicle the Irish team’s season-long journey, offering unprecedented access to players, coaches, and behind-the-scenes moments.
7.1. Controlled Access
Unlike other programs, Notre Dame will maintain project oversight, ensuring the show promotes the University positively. This level of control allows Notre Dame to use the series as a marketing tool while protecting its brand and reputation.
7.2. Exploring Modern College Football
“Irish Knocks” will also provide insights into the modern challenges and opportunities facing college football players. Topics such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), the transfer portal, and the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format will likely be explored.
7.3. Debut and Expectations
The show is expected to debut in 2024, although the specific premiere date is yet to be announced. Fans are eager to see how Notre Dame’s approach to this documentary series differs from other programs and how it will shape the perception of the University.
8. How Does Notre Dame’s ACC Agreement Impact Its Financial Standing?
Notre Dame’s agreement with the ACC is a strategic decision that contributes significantly to its financial stability. While not a full member of the conference for football, Notre Dame plays five to six rotating ACC games each year. This agreement provides a steady stream of revenue that supports the athletic program.
8.1. Annual Revenue from the ACC
The ACC agreement brings in approximately $17 million per year, encompassing revenue from the five to six football games and all other Notre Dame ACC sports. Football alone is estimated to contribute around $12 million per year.
8.2. Maintaining Independence
The revenue from the ACC, combined with the $50 million per year from the new NBC deal, allows Notre Dame to remain comfortably independent amidst conference realignment. The nearly $70 million per year in TV rights would give Notre Dame the second most lucrative TV rights in college football, behind only the BIG 10.
8.3. Long-Term Commitment
The agreement with the ACC includes matchups scheduled through the 2037 season, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the conference. This stability allows Notre Dame to plan for the future and maintain its competitive edge.
9. How Do New Leadership Changes Affect Notre Dame’s TV Contract?
The appointment of Peter Bevacqua as Notre Dame’s 13th Athletic Director marks a significant transition for the University. Bevacqua, a 1993 alumnus and former NBC Sports chairman, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the media landscape to the role.
9.1. Bevacqua’s Background
Bevacqua’s extensive background in sports broadcasting makes him uniquely qualified to lead Notre Dame’s athletic program. His previous role as NBC Sports chairman has allowed him to develop strong relationships with key media partners, including those at NBC.
9.2. Commitment to Independence
Both Jack Swarbrick and Peter Bevacqua share a commitment to maintaining Notre Dame’s independence. Bevacqua has emphasized the importance of the differentiators that make Notre Dame unique, including its independent status.
9.3. Future Negotiations
Bevacqua’s appointment bodes well for the future of Notre Dame’s relationship with NBC. His familiarity with the network and his understanding of the value of Notre Dame’s brand will be crucial in future negotiations. The next round of contract talks is expected to begin around 2028.
10. What Is Notre Dame’s Strategy for Maintaining Independence in College Football?
Notre Dame’s primary goal is to maintain its independence in the face of significant conference realignments. The University’s strategy involves securing lucrative media rights deals, leveraging its national brand, and making strategic decisions that support its long-term goals.
10.1. Financial Independence
The new NBC deal and the ACC agreement provide Notre Dame with the financial resources necessary to remain independent. These revenue streams allow Notre Dame to compete with the top programs in the country without sacrificing its autonomy.
10.2. National Viewership
Notre Dame’s national appeal and high viewership numbers make it an attractive property for media partners. The University leverages this popularity to negotiate favorable terms in its media rights deals.
10.3. Strategic Leadership
The appointment of Peter Bevacqua as Athletic Director ensures that Notre Dame has strong leadership dedicated to maintaining its independence. Bevacqua’s experience and vision will be crucial in navigating the ever-changing landscape of college football.
Notre Dame’s ability to thrive as an independent program is a testament to its unique brand and strategic decision-making. As college football continues to evolve, Notre Dame is well-positioned to maintain its status as a premier program. Visit monstertelevision.com for more in-depth analysis, game highlights, and fan discussions.
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FAQ: Notre Dame Football Television Contract
- Why does Notre Dame have its own TV deal? Notre Dame’s national appeal and large fan base make it attractive for its own TV deal, separate from conference agreements.
- How much is the Notre Dame TV contract worth? The latest extension (2026-2029) with NBC is believed to be worth approximately $200 million, roughly $50 million per season.
- What channel are Notre Dame football games on? Most Notre Dame home games are broadcast on NBC, with some games exclusively on Peacock.
- What is “Irish Knocks”? “Irish Knocks” is a Peacock exclusive documentary series, similar to HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” that chronicles Notre Dame’s football season.
- How does the ACC agreement benefit Notre Dame? Notre Dame’s agreement with the ACC brings in approximately $17 million per year, contributing to its financial stability.
- Who is Peter Bevacqua? Peter Bevacqua is Notre Dame’s 13th Athletic Director, succeeding Jack Swarbrick. He is a former NBC Sports chairman.
- Why is Notre Dame still independent? Notre Dame values its independence, which allows it to negotiate its own media rights and maintain its unique identity.
- How does Notre Dame’s viewership compare to other schools? Notre Dame consistently ranks among the top 10 in national viewership averages, enhancing its negotiation power for TV contracts.
- What is the Shamrock Series? The Shamrock Series is a set of neutral site games that are part of Notre Dame’s agreement with NBC.
- How can I watch Notre Dame football games? You can watch Notre Dame football games on NBC and Peacock.
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