What is the Big Ten Conference?
The Big Ten Conference is the oldest major conference in U.S. college sports and one of its two wealthiest: 18 large research universities whose athletic programs compete at the top of nearly every NCAA sport.[1] [2]
Members and sports
Members include Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, Wisconsin and Northwestern, joined in 2024 by USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington — extending the conference from coast to coast. Big Ten swimming (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, Cal's rival programs aside) has produced Olympic champions for a century.[1] [3]
Since when does it exist?
Founded in 1896 as the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives; headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois.[1]
Why does the Big Ten Conference matter?
With the largest media contract in college sports and a century-plus of national championships, the Big Ten stands with the SEC atop the college hierarchy — membership, titles and honors within it carry national and international weight.[2] [3]
References
- Big Ten — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- NCAA — About the NCAA. Accessed August 2026.
- NCAA.com — Swimming & Diving, Division I. Accessed August 2026.