Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., sent a letter to Big Ten presidents Friday, warning that a move into private equity could have negative consequences, including impacting the schools’ tax-exempt status.

“The primary goal of these companies is to make money for the firm, which is unlikely to align with the academic goals of your university or its obligations as a not-for-profit organization,” Cantwell said.

The Big Ten has been exploring a partnership with private equity firms, with reports saying it could be looking at a $2 billion investment that would involve placing the sale of its media rights and other assets under a new entity partially owned by the equity investors.

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti was short on specifics at the conference’s basketball media days this week.

“Whethe

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