MSG typically has drawn bigger crowds for the Big East Tournament than for other conferencesGETTY IMAGES
The Big East has "signed an extension" to keep its conference basketball tournament at MSG through '28, delivering a "sharp elbow as the Big Ten and ACC encroached on the sport's most coveted real estate," according to Jerry Carino of the ASBURY PARK PRESS. The Big East's previous contract with MSG ran through '26 but "contained an opt-out provision" in '22, whereas the new deal is "iron-clad" through '28. This is a "major development" for the conference. The Big Ten Tournament moved to MSG last winter, "setting up shop the week before championship week." Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany was then "eyeing the traditional championship week." However, Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman "responded by pushing to get the Garden contract extended immediately." The Big East Tournament "posted an average attendance of 18,790 fans" in '18, "more than any other league in the country -- and 3,500 more than the Big Ten drew in the same building" (ASBURY PARK PRESS, 12/10). In Cincinnati, Adam Baum noted the agreement also keeps the tournament on its "traditional date through the length of the deal." Ackerman: "It's a big day" (CINCINNATI.com, 12/9).
