Big Ten Network Gears Up for Championship Weekend and Spring Sports Surge
CHICAGO, January 16, 2026 – As the college sports calendar hits a pivotal junction, the Big Ten Network (BTN) is positioned at the center of the action, providing wall-to-wall coverage of the College Football Playoff National Championship and preparing for a packed spring slate. The 24/7 network, dedicated to one of the nation’s premier collegiate conferences, continues to be the ultimate destination for fans, offering live games, in-depth analysis, and Emmy-nominated storytelling across all 18 member schools.
National Championship Takes Center Stage
BTN has deployed a significant on-site team to Miami Gardens, Florida, for comprehensive coverage of the College Football Playoff National Championship between the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes on Monday, January 19. Analysts including Dave Revsine, Howard Griffith, and Urban Meyer will provide live analysis from Hard Rock Stadium. Pre-game programming begins Saturday, January 17, with a 2.5-hour media day special, followed by press conferences, preview shows, and extensive post-game reaction. Should Indiana win, a special championship press conference will air on Tuesday, January 20.
Winter Sports in Full Swing
While football concludes, basketball and wrestling dominate the current schedule. Recent condensed game replays on BTN highlighted key conference victories. On January 13, John Blackwell’s buzzer-beating three-pointer lifted Wisconsin to a 78-75 win over Minnesota. The following day, Braden Smith’s 16 points helped No. 5 Purdue complete a 79-72 comeback against Iowa. The network also features signature shows like “The Journey: Big Ten Basketball,” which profiles players like Nebraska’s Rienk Mast and Purdue’s Braden Smith, and “B1G Today” for daily news.
2026 Spring Lacrosse Schedule Released
Looking ahead, BTN released its spring television schedule for men’s and women’s lacrosse, featuring 29 games. Coverage kicks off with a women’s doubleheader on March 19, featuring Rutgers at Ohio State and Penn at Maryland. The schedule runs through the Big Ten Championships, with the women’s final on April 26 and the men’s final on May 2. This extensive coverage underscores the network’s commitment to sports beyond football and basketball.
How to Watch: Streaming and TV Options
| Service | Price & Details |
|---|---|
| FOX One | The primary streaming home for BTN. Subscription is $19.99/month or $199.99/year. BTN can be added to any package for an additional $12.99/month or $89.99/year. Includes live TV, on-demand, and DVR. |
| Big Ten Plus | Provides live coverage of exclusive games, replays, and events. Starts at $12.99/month. |
| TV Provider | BTN is available on most major cable and satellite providers. Viewers can find their local channel at bigten.org. |
| SiriusXM | Big Ten Radio (Channel 84) offers audio coverage, including “B1G Today” with Dave Revsine. |
The Financial Backdrop: Media Rights and Evolution
The modern landscape of conference-specific networks like BTN is a direct result of a landmark 1984 Supreme Court decision (NCAA v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma), which broke the NCAA’s monopoly on television rights. This allowed conferences to negotiate their own lucrative deals. Today, the Big Ten commands over $1 billion annually in media rights, a staggering increase from $10 million in 1996. This financial muscle was a key factor in the recent conference realignment that saw the Big Ten expand to 18 schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Big Ten Network?
The Big Ten Network (BTN) is a 24/7 television network dedicated to covering the sports, athletes, and stories of the Big Ten Conference. It is a joint venture between the Big Ten Conference and FOX Networks.
How can I watch BTN without cable?
The primary way to stream BTN without a traditional cable subscription is through the FOX One streaming service. Subscriptions start at $19.99 per month, and BTN is included in the channel lineup. It can also be added as an extra to other FOX One packages.
What sports does BTN cover?
BTN covers the full spectrum of Big Ten sports. While football and basketball are prominently featured, the network also has extensive coverage of wrestling, hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and more, including Olympic sports.
Is there a way to watch for free?
BTN does not offer a free, ad-supported streaming tier. Access requires authentication through a participating TV provider or a paid subscription to FOX One. Some content may be available on-demand for free on the FOX Sports App with provider login.