Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman spoke at the Big Ten Football Media Days on Tuesday and addressed an ongoing problem between BTN and Comcast, which is the leading cable provider in the country.
A few months ago, BTN was removed from the out-of-market cable systems on Comcast. Comcast also happens to be the leading cable provider for 10 out of the 14 schools in the Big Ten. That number covers everyone in the conference except for Ohio State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa.
“Despite the growth and success, BTN is now facing our biggest challenge since the launch of the network,” Silverman said. “Our 10-year agreement with Comcast expires at the end of August.”
Silverman fears that taking BTN off out-of-market states is just the first step before Comcast removes BTN completely, including Big Ten home markets like Ohio State.
“Upon learning of the impending removal, we immediately reached out to Comcast in an effort to keep the network on the air. Comcast was intent on dropping BTN and refused to listen to our plea,” Silverman said.
The agreement for Big Ten games to air on FS1 is also expiring and Silverman fears that those Big Ten games that are on FS1 are in danger of not being carried on Comcast this upcoming season.
“BTN and FS1 have made proposal to Comcast dating back to February, and we’ve had no substantive response at all,” Silverman said.
BTN and FS1 are expected to televise nearly 60 games this football season, which is close to two thirds of all games in the Big Ten.
“BTN and FS1 will air 22 of the first 24 games for those 10 schools that are in the Comcast markets,” he added.
While the games will still be available on many different cable, TV, and internet providers, Comcast customers could miss every single Big Ten football game on BTN and FS1.
Despite little progress in negotiation with Comcast, Silverman said they are not giving up.
“We’re going to continue to negotiate in good faith with Comcast in an effort to bring BTN and the Big Ten games and FS1 to all our fans and alumni viewers across the country,” he said.
BTN urges fans and viewers to visit keepbigten.com to find out more and help keep BTN on Comcast.
“The network has enjoyed growing ratings, numerous awards and become a key part of football Saturday to Big Ten fans,” Silverman said.
Armstrong cable, which dominates Eastern Oh does not carry the Big 10 network and deprives us of watching.
Psst… Hulu…
I switched and never looked back. Keep Xfintiy internet, though, it’s dope!
I am in NC and love my BTN. comcast wake up
Cable is dying. Streaming is taking its place. There are several streaming options that carry BTN. I have been using YTTV here in Columbus and they now have all the local channels too so I don’t even use the antenna anymore.
I’m one of those out of market subscribers, and have lost access to BTN. Very discouraging. First chance I get I will subscribe to another provider.
I live in the Atlanta area.I will drop Comcast as soon as I can.When I signed on they were providing Big10 Network.That is why I signed up with them after moving here from Michigan.I will be dropping them in October when I can.They broke their contract with me by changing the product I had contracted with them to provide.I should drop them now
Hey Comcast,. Thank you for reminding me why I’m soooooo happy I dropped cable altogether.