Due to a series of hopefully nonrecurring problems, the UI athletic department was splashing red ink when Josh Whitman took the reins in early March.
Not to worry. The biggest financial bonanza in school history is just around the corner. Reporters in Des Moines, Iowa, and Detroit have confirmed my understanding that the Illini’s share of Big Ten 2017-18 media rights will sing a tune of roughly $50 million. This appears to be an increase of $15 million or more annually in a six-year agreement that should be confirmed July 26 in Chicago.
Just think: $50 million.