YouTube TV does not carry Big Ten Network as a standalone channel

YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include Big Ten Network (BTN). If you want to watch Big Ten sports through YouTube TV, you will need to use one of the network's other distribution methods — primarily the Big Ten+ streaming service, which is separate from YouTube TV.

Big Ten Network games are available through Big Ten+, a subscription service run by the conference itself. Some games also air on national networks like ESPN, Fox, and CBS, which YouTube TV does carry. The specific channel where a game appears depends on the sport, the time slot, and the conference's broadcast schedule for that week.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV does not include Big Ten Network in its channel package, so you cannot watch BTN games through your YouTube TV subscription alone.
  • Big Ten+ is a separate streaming service where most Big Ten sports games are broadcast, and it requires its own subscription.
  • Some Big Ten games air on ESPN, Fox, and CBS, which are available through YouTube TV, so checking the game schedule first can save you money.
  • YouTube TV does include ESPN and Fox, so you can watch some Big Ten matchups on those channels depending on the week and sport.

Where Big Ten games actually broadcast

The Big Ten conference distributes its games across multiple channels and services. The primary home for most games is Big Ten+, which streams the majority of conference matchups. Games that draw larger audiences or higher ratings air on national sports networks: ESPN, Fox, CBS, and occasionally NBC.

YouTube TV carries ESPN, Fox, CBS, and NBC in most markets, so you can watch Big Ten games that land on those channels. However, the games that move to Big Ten+ — which is a growing number each year — require a separate subscription. There is no way to watch Big Ten+ content through YouTube TV.

The broadcast schedule changes week to week and varies by sport. Football and men's basketball games are more likely to appear on the national networks, while Olympic sports and some women's sports games are more often on Big Ten+. Before you assume you need another service, check the specific game's broadcast information on the Big Ten's official schedule.

What Big Ten+ costs and how it works

Big Ten+ is a standalone streaming service operated by the Big Ten Conference. It is not bundled with any other service, including YouTube TV. You must purchase a separate subscription to access it.

Big Ten+ streams games live and offers on-demand replays. You can watch on a web browser, smartphone, tablet, or connected TV device. The service also includes some non-game content like press conferences and team shows, depending on the sport and school.

Pricing and availability can change, so check the Big Ten's official website or the Big Ten+ app directly for current subscription costs and what is included in your region.

How to find which channel carries a specific game

The easiest way to know where a game will broadcast is to visit the Big Ten Conference's official website and look up the schedule for the sport you want to watch. Each game listing shows the broadcast channel or service. You can also check the schedule on the individual school's athletics website.

If a game is listed as "Big Ten+" or "BTN+" in the broadcast column, you will need Big Ten+ to watch it. If it shows ESPN, Fox, CBS, or NBC, you can watch it through YouTube TV if you have those channels in your package. Some games may also be available through the network's own app (like ESPN+ for ESPN games), which is separate from YouTube TV.

Set a reminder to check the schedule a few days before the game you want to watch. Conference broadcast assignments sometimes shift, and knowing in advance prevents disappointment on game day.

YouTube TV's sports channel coverage

YouTube TV includes the major sports networks in most markets: ESPN, ESPN2, Fox, FS1, CBS, and NBC. These channels carry a significant portion of college sports, including some Big Ten games. However, YouTube TV does not include specialty sports networks like Big Ten Network, Pac-12 Network, or SEC Network.

If you subscribe to YouTube TV primarily for sports, understand that you will likely need additional services for conference-specific content. Big Ten+ is the main one for Big Ten sports, but other conferences have their own networks and streaming services that YouTube TV does not carry.

Alternatives if you want all Big Ten games in one place

There is no single streaming service that carries every Big Ten game. You would need a combination of services: YouTube TV (for ESPN, Fox, CBS, NBC games), Big Ten+ (for Big Ten+ exclusive games), and possibly ESPN+ (for some ESPN+ exclusive games) to cover all broadcasts.

If you have cable or satellite TV, Big Ten Network may be available as a channel depending on your provider and package. Check your provider's channel lineup or contact them directly. However, most streaming-only services, including YouTube TV, do not include BTN.

Another option is to watch games through the school's official athletics website or app if the school offers free or included streaming. Some schools make games available to fans in their region, though this varies by school and sport.

Why YouTube TV does not carry Big Ten Network

YouTube TV negotiates with networks and services to determine which channels to include in its package. The company makes decisions based on subscriber demand, licensing costs, and how many people would use each channel. Big Ten Network is a regional sports network with a smaller audience than ESPN or Fox, so YouTube TV has chosen not to include it.

The Big Ten Conference also operates Big Ten+ as its own direct-to-consumer service, which gives the conference control over pricing and distribution. This setup means the conference benefits financially from Big Ten+ subscriptions rather than relying on YouTube TV to carry the channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Big Ten games on YouTube TV at all?

Yes, but only the games that air on ESPN, Fox, CBS, or NBC. YouTube TV carries all of those networks in most markets. Games broadcast exclusively on Big Ten+ or Big Ten Network are not available through YouTube TV.

Do I need Big Ten+ if I already have YouTube TV?

It depends on which games you want to watch. If you only care about the major football and basketball games, many of those air on ESPN or Fox, which YouTube TV includes. If you want to watch Olympic sports, some women's sports, or games that the Big Ten moves to Big Ten+, then yes, you would need a separate Big Ten+ subscription.

Is Big Ten+ the same as ESPN+?

No. Big Ten+ is operated by the Big Ten Conference and streams Big Ten sports. ESPN+ is operated by ESPN and streams a different set of sports and content. Some Big Ten games may appear on ESPN+, but Big Ten+ is the primary Big Ten streaming service.

Can I get Big Ten Network through any streaming service?

Big Ten Network is primarily available through cable and satellite TV providers. Most streaming services, including YouTube TV, do not carry it. The Big Ten Conference has shifted most of its streaming content to Big Ten+, so that is where most games are available online.

What if a game is on Big Ten+ but I do not have a subscription?

You will not be able to watch that game live. Some games may be available on-demand later through Big Ten+, or you might find highlights on social media or the school's website, but the full game will require a Big Ten+ subscription.