How to watch Big Ten Network without cable

The Big Ten Network (BTN) is a sports network that focuses specifically on the collegiate Big Ten Conference. The channel was founded in 2007 by the Big Ten Conference and FOX Entertainment. Even though FOX Corporation significantly downsized in 2019, selling many of its assets to The Walt Disney Company, it still retained sports networks like Big Ten Network, FS1, and FS2. This is good news for cord-cutters as these channels were unaffected by the acquisition and are readily available via over-the-top (OTT) cable-alternative services. 

So, what are some of the best ways to watch Big Ten Network online? Find out how to stream BTN with OTT services below. 

Ways to watch Big Ten Network 

The Big Ten Network broadcasts a vast menu of original programming and sports coverage. As part of the NCAA, the Big Ten Network televises live men and women’s sports like baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, and softball. These also include tournaments for events like cross country, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and wrestling. 

The Big Ten Network, along with all of your other favorite sports channels, is available with an online streaming service. With OTT cable-alternative services, you won’t need to worry about contracts or hidden fees. And you can watch live TV on your smartphone, smart TV, and tablet — along with other devices, depending on the streaming service. 

Get Big Ten Network

Cable-alternative services provide live national TV networks that range from entertainment, lifestyle, news, and sports. Some even include local channels and regional sports networks (RSNs) and affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Here are our favorites. 

How to watch the Big Ten Network on DIRECTV STREAM

If you’re looking to watch the Big Ten Network then you’ll have to upgrade to the Choice plan, which has over 140 channels, for $99.99/mo. Plus, the plan includes ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, if any out-of-conference games air on the networks.

Each plan offers unlimited cloud DVR storage to record your favorite shows and the biggest moments of the season. Plus, you can stream on unlimited devices on your home network and on 3 devices on the go.

New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial before subscribing.

Sign up for DIRECTV STREAM

How to watch the Big Ten Network on Fubo

If you’re a sports fan, Fubo is a viable option to watch Big Ten competition live. Fubo is a sports-focused streaming service. So although you get a diverse range of channels, many of them focus on live sports from national and international events. And you get more than 150 channels including live sports on Big Ten Network, CBS, NBC, FOX, FS1, CBS Sports Network, and any out-of-conference games on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, SEC Network, ACC Network, and Pac-12 Network, for $74.99/mo. with the Pro plan.

With Fubo, subscribers can watch up to 10 screens at once and record their favorite shows, movies, and more with up to 1000 hours of DVR. Plus, the streamer offers live content and shows and movies on demand.

If you like what Fubo offers, sign up to enjoy the service for free for a week before committing to it. Before that, you can also get more details about the packages and features through our Fubo review.

New subscribers can try Fubo free for one week.

Sign up for Fubo

How to watch the Big Ten Network on Sling TV

For Big Ten sports fans who need something that’s more affordable than other streaming services, Sling TV makes the most sense. The service offers plans for as low as $40/mo., which makes it almost twice as affordable as the other streaming options. But the choice of channels is slightly more limited.

The Sling Orange plan gives you access to 30+ channels, including ESPN and ESPN2. And the Sling Blue plan comes with 40+ channels, including FOX Sports 1, and ABC, NBC, and Fox are available in select markets. To get the best of both, you need the $55/mo. Sling Orange + Blue plan.

The Sports Extra add-on is a must-have for an additional $11/mo., you get access to the Big Ten Network, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, ACC Network, Longhorn Network, ESPNU, and much more.

Sign up for Sling TV

How to watch the Big Ten Network on Hulu + Live TV

For those who love the hit originals from Hulu, a Hulu + Live TV subscription is an ideal way to stream Big Ten sports. This includes 85+ live channels in addition to The Disney Bundle which is the 10,000+ on-demand titles from Hulu’s streaming library, tons of shows and movies from Disney+, and thousands of hours of live sports on ESPN+. And you get all of this for $69.99/mo.

Hulu + Live TV packs a powerful punch for fans of the Big Ten. The streamer includes Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, and ACC Network.

If this sounds good to you, sign up, plus you can stream live sports on ESPN+ as The Disney Bundle is included. Before you sign up, you can also check out our Hulu + Live TV review to get more info about its features and how it works.

Sign up for Hulu + Live TV

How to Watch the Big Ten Network on Vidgo

Don’t miss a second of live Big Ten sports with the Plus plan from Vidgo. For $69.99 per month, you can stream live games on Big Ten Network and other popular networks that feature the conference, including Fox, and FS1, plus any out-of-conference games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, Pac-12 Network, and over 110 live channels. Plus, record your favorite moments throughout the season with DVR.

Sign up for Vidgo

How to watch the Big Ten Network on YouTube TV

For those who need a comprehensive streaming solution that features the Big Ten Network then you can also go for YouTube TV. The service gives you a diverse mix of live TV channels with 100+ options for $72.99/mo. Not only this, you get unlimited cloud DVR storage by default with the service. And you can keep your recordings for up to 9 months.

The channel lineup includes live Big Ten sports on local NBC, CBS, FOX, and ABC affiliates and nationally televised games on Big Ten Network, FS1, CBS Sports Network, or any out-of-conference games on ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, and SEC Network. Plus, you can watch thousands of shows and movies on-demand.

Sign up for YouTube TV

Big Ten Network without cable FAQs 

What other ways can I stream BTN outside of my cable-alternative app?

You have the option to stream the Big Ten Network online via your favorite web browser. Navigate to btn.com and enter your zip code and TV provider information to start watching. 

Where else can I access Big 10 Network streaming? 

Big Ten Network is also available with the FOX Sports app, which simulcasts live games and provides an on-demand library to a games archive via BTN, FOX, and FS1. 

What schools are broadcast on BTN? 

The Big Ten Network exclusively focuses on schools within the Big Ten Conference — Indiana, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, the University of Illinois, the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, and the University of Minnesota. Each team has an official landing page along with live streams, social links, and ticket information. 

So, you missed the game, now what? 

Luckily you can watch programming that appears on the Big Ten stream for up to 14 days after the broadcast. You can also catch free Big Ten highlights on its YouTube channel. But did you know that YouTube also has a live TV service that includes BTN? Learn more about YouTube TV, its live channels, pricing, and more with our review

Are Big Ten Network games available in high definition (HD)? 

Even though BTN provides HD quality content, video resolution ultimately depends on the TV service.

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