Big 10 schools losing patience with BTN

**jDub** · 02-12-2008, 10:55 AM

Great article attached below. UW is opening the doors to the Kohl Center so fans can watch the game (on the video screens)with Indiana tomorrow night (game at Indiana). Why, because so few of them can watch the game on TV even though both teams are ranked in the top 15. Way to go BTN!

Big Ten Network gives teams money, but little TV exposure | IndyStar.com

**cyclonemaniac7** · 02-12-2008, 10:56 AM

Can the Big Ten do anything to stop them? Like the NFL Network is able to stop movie theaters from showing games?

**tim_redd** · 02-12-2008, 11:02 AM

I haven't seen a single Iowa basketball game this year, except the one I went to.

**CycloneErik** · 02-12-2008, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by tim_redd

I haven't seen a single Iowa basketball game this year, except the one I went to.

that can't be a bad thing

I've watched a bunch, and often wished I had that time back.

**rbrook** · 02-12-2008, 11:06 AM

As long as it is free, I doubt there is much that they can do. But how often is UW going to this? I can't believe that they can afford to open it up for all away games. This may be a one time deal.

**cyismydog** · 02-12-2008, 11:07 AM

I just hope they never make big 12 network, since it probably would only be available to a select few with the right provider.

**HILLCYD** · 02-12-2008, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by cyismydog

I just hope they never make big 12 network, since it probably would only be available to a select few with the right provider.

I beleive every major conference will eventually have its own network and will have learned from the Little 11 what not to do.

**jumbopackage** · 02-12-2008, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by cyismydog

I just hope they never make big 12 network, since it probably would only be available to a select few with the right provider.

I have no problem with a Big 12 network, so long as they don't try to force themselves onto the basic cable tier like the BTN is, and so long as it doesn't adversely affect the current package. I'd gladly pay an extra 10-20 bucks a month to support my conference, and get extra games. If I could watch every ISU sporting event, I'd be perfectly content to pay that much extra.

The BTN is failing because they built their business plan around HAVING to be on basic cable, and when the cable providers said "nope", they are basically screwed.

**cyismydog** · 02-12-2008, 11:13 AM

The thing is, it will either drive up your cable/satellite bill to huge numbers, or force you to buy an exra package, two options that don't sound too good to me.

**Clonehomer** · 02-12-2008, 11:14 AM

I really hope the Big12 does some type of network. Just as long as they are sensible and let the cable networks decide how they want to broadcast it.

**HILLCYD** · 02-12-2008, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by cyismydog

or force you to buy an exra package

That is EXACTLY what should have been done with the Big 10 network and should be done for future networks. If you want the product buy it, if you don't, you shouldn't have to foot the bill for those who do.

**ce1** · 02-12-2008, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by cys_av8r

I beleive every major conference will eventually have its own network and will have learned from the Little 11 what not to do.

Pollard has already said that a Big 12 Network is in the works. What is more important is to learn lessons from the B11 Network, and not repeat them. Like have a plan in place for the member states local cable PRIOR to launch.

**rbrook** · 02-12-2008, 11:16 AM

Maybe a College Sports package where you could get all the conferences with their own network. I would buy it.

**ISUFan22** · 02-12-2008, 11:20 AM

Love the BTN...allowed me to watch some great games - notably the Michigan-Appalachian State upset.

**erikbj** · 02-12-2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by jumbopackage

I have no problem with a Big 12 network, so long as they don't try to force themselves onto the basic cable tier like the BTN is, and so long as it doesn't adversely affect the current package. I'd gladly pay an extra 10-20 bucks a month to support my conference, and get extra games. If I could watch every ISU sporting event, I'd be perfectly content to pay that much extra.

The BTN is failing because they built their business plan around HAVING to be on basic cable, and when the cable providers said "nope", they are basically screwed.

10-20 bucks / month??? It should only be a 1-2 dollars a month.