Bring the Big Ten Network to Cable

Please do what is necessary to get the Big Ten Network on all cable systems in the Big Ten region. Most Big Ten fans are not Direct TV subscribers and most are not interested in switching. We, the fans, are the ones being hurt here. We were able to see all of the games we wanted last season. Due to the roll out of the Big Ten Network, we will not have that option this season, regardless of how much we're willing to pay.

We, the fans, feel slighted. We've supported the Big Ten for years and to show us how much you care, the Big Ten is taking games away from us. While there are sure to be many benefits to the Big Ten Network, most of us will not realize them, as we will be unable to view it.

Please, accept that you are rolling out a sports channel. Not just sports, but college sports and not just college sports, but college sports involving only the eleven Big Ten universities. Even within those limits, the biggest games will still be broadcast on major networks. This is the definition of niche programming. Channels like the BTN are the reason that sports tiers exist. Your arrogance, a trait many attribute to the Big Ten anyway, and unwillingness to budge from your expanded basic requirement is translating into fewer available games for us, the fans.

The quality of the programming on the BTN is irrelevant if nobody gets to see it. Please, swallow your pride, accept your place in the market and get the deal done. Millions of fans are counting on you to act in their best interest. That interest is in seeing the games, not turning a profit.

Millions of fans will combine to spend billions of dollars this season on Big Ten athletics. In this battle over supporters' dollars, between the BTN and cable providers everywhere, the ones truly losing out are the fans who can no longer see their teams play on TV.

The stated goal of the Big Ten Network is "to nationally promote a wide array of Big Ten sports and academic programming". If the vast majority of Americans are unable to watch the network, your goal is unattainable. Please take the deal. You're rolling out a sports channel. Put it in the sports tier and let us get excited about the coming season instead of worrying about how much of it we'll miss!