Ben Portnoy has covered college sports for Sports Business Journal since 2023. He joined the publication following nearly five years in daily newspapers covering the SEC, including stints on the South Carolina and Mississippi State beats.  A native of Washington, D.C., he's a graduate of Indiana University.

Big 12 announces reorganization of internal staff

The Big 12 has announced a reorganization of senior level staffers. CFO Nick Bowes is set to take on an expanded position as the league’s Chief Operating Officer. The role will include oversight of of sales, marketing and communications, among other responsibilities.

SBJ College: Learfield’s sale a sign of the times

TPG's acquisition of college sports multimedia giant Learfield shows private equity's continued interest in college athletics. Also: Chris McIntosh's move from Wisconsin AD to Big Ten office and his role as a key Tony Petitti ally and a College Conversation with UConn AD David Benedict.

College Convo: UConn AD David Benedict on Big East’s strength, basketball’s value

The college basketball season didn’t end with a national title, as UConn AD David Benedict might’ve hoped, but the school’s positioning hasn’t been better in some time.


TPG bought more than Learfield — it bought a growth opportunity

It’s not every day one of the largest operators in college sports gets bought by a private equity firm. Tuesday was that day.

College sports giant Learfield finalizing sale to private equity firm

Private equity firm TPG is finalizing the purchase of Learfield to make it the majority owner of one of the most prominent multimedia rights and technology providers in college athletics, Sports Business Journal has learned.

SoCon, CBS Sports Net expand media deal

The Southern Conference and CBS Sports are slated to announce an expansion and extension of their deal through the 2031-32 season. Exact terms of the six-year deal were not available at press time, while an official announcement is expected on Monday.

Basketball’s power broker? The Big East makes its case

As confetti rained courtside, an earnest Dan Hurley sat behind the podium beneath Lucas Oil Stadium as he fought to get the words out.

Wisconsin AD McIntosh to take new position at Big Ten

Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh is resigning from his position immediately and joining the Big Ten as its newly created deputy commissioner for strategy. McIntosh will report directly to Commissioner Tony Petitti, while his role will focus on shaping the broad strategy of the league. Wisconsin Deputy AD...

Yao Ming, NBA owners among new investors in Asian college basketball league

The Asian University Basketball League (AUBL), a pan-regional intercollegiate basketball league founded by Nets co-owner Joe Tsai, is set to announce the closing of its Series A funding round (exact financial details were not immediately available). The round was led by Blue Pool Capital, the family...