With the league’s potential, this was bound to happen. From jaw-dropping Hail Marys to coaches scoring eight-figure contracts, these guys have always been about breaking records. But now, the action isn’t confined to the field—it’s hitting the airwaves with TNT’s game-changing entrance into the college football world. Known for its slam dunks and Shaq-sized charisma inside the NBA, TNT is trading hardwood for turf, and this could redefine how fans experience the College Football Playoff. Excited? You better be.

In a seismic shift announced by Adam Breneman from his FOS Network booth, as we saw it on Instagram first, the reel was captioned, “What will TNT’s college football era look like? 👀.” TNT struck a $2.28 billion deal with ESPN to sublicense key CFP matchups. “Yes, you heard that right,” Breneman said with emphasis. Starting in 2025, TNT will broadcast two CFP first-round games annually, with quarterfinal action joining the lineup in 2026. But it doesn’t stop there. The Big 12 will bring an additional 13 football games and 15 men’s basketball games yearly to TNT’s slate. In the reporter’s words, “And that’s just the start. The big 12, they’re heading to TNT as well.” Suddenly, a channel synonymous with NBA banter is poised to influence the college football narrative.

This partnership is a win-win for all involved. ESPN gets to balance its overflowing sports portfolio, Warner Bros. Discovery gets to diversify its offerings, and we fans now will have Shaq, Kenny, Chuck, and Ernie break down football for us; it would be electric. However, questions loom—Can TNT bring the same energy to college football as it does to basketball? “TNT’s football era will thrive if it brings the same storytelling magic and personality that made Inside the NBA a cultural phenomenon,” Breneman explained.

For coaches like Ryan Day (Ohio State) and Sherrone Moore (Michigan), this could mean a broader platform to showcase their programs, especially during recruiting. Imagine the storytelling TNT might weave around Moore’s ascension as Michigan’s interim head coach or Day’s high-stakes rivalry games. It’s surely only going to add to these Big 10 giant coaches’ mega contracts, increasing their fortunes astronomically.

Already sitting on a pile of cash, the Buckeyes HC is stacking up M’s with almost $10 mil each year. And the Wolverines guy Moore is $5.5 million each year, which is only going to increase by 2% each year. This isn’t just television; it’s branding, and the programs that adapt will thrive. However, just hold on a minute, as it’s not just the good news for the Big Ten conference; some other ‘Big’ will also come live with them on TV.

Big 12 on TNT: a primetime showcase

As the reporter mentioned, it’s not just good news for Day and Moore. Even the whole Big 12 sports will be on TNT, so Deion Sanders and the Buffs will be on TV too. Already wrapped in the glitz and bling of online attention, this will give them a bigger platform to shine. ‘Perfect Timing’ for Sander’s boys with the season they are having.

Big changes are coming to your TV lineup! With Warner Bros. teaming up with the NBA in a fresh deal that’s moving some serious sports action over to TNT and TBS. As part of this shake-up, 13 Big 12 football games each year will shift from ESPN’s streaming service to these Warner Bros. networks. Plus, fans of hoops will get an extra treat with 15 Big 12 basketball games airing on TNT or TBS.

Ultimately, both these conferences are empires. And like any empire, it’s expanding its reach, this time to a network known for its charisma and star power.