Big Ten Network

If you don't have DirecTV, or one of a few small cable operators, you will not be able to see the season opener this Saturday against YSU or the following game against Akron. The Big Ten Network has exclusive rights to these games, as well as one conference game that has not been determined. I discussed this network on a previous post. The channel will also have almost half of the OSU Basketball games. Major providers like Time Warner, Comcast and Insight have not reached agreements over the price asked by the channel, and the fact that the network insists that it be carried on extended cable along with channels like ESPN, not on an extra charge sports tier. Don't be surprised if the providers make a last minute deal, but it may not take effect until later in the season. If you are wondering why DirecTV agreed to the terms so quickly, they have partial ownership of the channel....