Big Ten Network and Comcast nearing a deal

by Darren Murph posted Jun 17th 2008 at 11:57AM

Could it finally be happening? The bigwigs at Comcast and Big Ten Network are actually closing in on a deal? According to a recent writeup originating in the Chicago Tribune, a long-awaited partnership between the carrier and station is expected to become official at any moment. A BTN spokesperson told the Star Tribune that "while the deal between the sides is close, there is nothing to report at this point." However, the individual did admit that the two parties "remain close to reaching an agreement." Needless to say, quite a few individuals (hundreds of thousands, actually) in the Big Ten footprint would be elated to have their upcoming football season around and in HD, but considering just how long this bickering has been going on, we aren't jotting this one in stone quite yet.

Filed under: Misc, Cable, Sports

Tags: agreement, big ten network, BigTenNetwork, btn, comcast, conflict, licensing, licensing fees, LicensingFees, ncaa, partnership, problem, solution, sport, sports

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Highly Ranked

Dan Davis @ Jun 17th 2008 12:44PM

HELLZ YEAH! I've been whining about this for some time now... I needs my Michigan football in HD!

GO BLUE!

Neutral

Jim Mallory @ Jun 17th 2008 12:55PM

How many Michigan football games did you miss without BTN? I think the only one of note was that embarassing loss the first game of the season.

Neutral

Patrick @ Jun 17th 2008 2:07PM

let's not get too excited here. i am a huge michigan fan (grew up there) living in utah going to byu (also a huge byu football fan), byu fans and other fans of teams from the mwc have been going through a very similar situation for the past few years. with the mtn. (mountain west network) comcast is a partial owner. the channel is on comcast's basic tier in most mwc areas. for those that live out of the area, it has not been on a satellite provider. at least big 10 fans anywhere in the country have been able to go with directv and get their games. mwc fans have not been so lucky. fortunately, there is a deal in place with directv to have the mtn airing at the end of august just in time for football season. but for 2 years, we were hearing rumors and articles and statements from everyone under the sun that " a deal was very close." we learned to take those with a grain of salt. hopefully comcast will pick up the btn for this season so i will get my two favorite teams on tv without going to satellite. (i like my cable internet deal)

Neutral

Alex @ Jun 17th 2008 2:19PM

@ Mallory - Sounds like the pangs of a spartan fan who has lost to Michigan SIX YEARS IN A ROW.

Go Blue!

Neutral

Jim Mallory @ Jun 17th 2008 3:19PM

Nope...just pointing out that a lot of games on BTN are second-tier matchups that ESPN passed on. I didn't miss the few games that BTN aired last year.

Neutral

BuckeyeBill @ Jun 18th 2008 8:58AM

Haw, Haw, Eric jumping all over Jim because you think he's a sparty! Well, sounds like the pangs of a scUM fan who has lost to Ohio State 4 straight years and 6 of the last 7!!! GO BUCKS!!!!!!!!

Highly Ranked

Bryan T @ Jun 18th 2008 9:49AM

With Michigans Less than special start last year, 3 or 4 games were relegated to the BTN. um vs emu comes to mind.

Either way, BTN also has some great hockey matchups I'd like to see as well. Yet, everyone thinks its only good for football and basketball.

My dad just switched back to charter today, hopefully they get this done by August.

@ Bill, this is a technology website, not a sports forum, take your trash talking elsewhere.

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