Big Ten Announces Conference-Only Fall Sports

After the first domino fell yesterday that the Ivy League announced no sports until January 1, 2021, it was only a matter of time until the rest of the dominoes fell. Today the Big Ten made a big one in announcing that there would be conference-only sports this fall (if they happen at all):

The Big Ten Conference announced today that if the Conference is able to participate in fall sports (men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball) based on medical advice, it will move to Conference-only schedules in those sports. Details for these sports will be released at a later date, while decisions on sports not listed above will continue to be evaluated. By limiting competition to other Big Ten institutions, the Conference will have the greatest flexibility to adjust its own operations throughout the season and make quick decisions in real-time based on the most current evolving medical advice and the fluid nature of the pandemic.

The biggest loss is football, as Purdue will now not play Memphis, Air Force, or Boston College as originally planned. I have no idea how those contracts will be handled going forward, bu Purdue does not have a non-conference opening until 2027, so there will be some shifting to be sure. This also effects women’s soccer, volleyball, and cross country.

Also, it is clear this is a fluid situation. I have my own thoughts on this, but I doubt anyone wants to hear them so I will not voice them.