YouTube TV does not carry Big Ten Plus as a standalone channel or add-on package
YouTube TV's base subscription includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and some regional sports networks, but Big Ten Plus is not among them. Big Ten Plus is a digital streaming service run by the Big Ten Conference itself, separate from traditional cable channels. If you want to watch Big Ten Plus content, you will need to subscribe to it directly through its own app or website, in addition to any YouTube TV subscription you already have.
The Big Ten Conference streams certain games and events through Big Ten Plus that do not air on ESPN, Fox, or other traditional broadcast networks. These are typically lower-profile matchups or non-football sports. YouTube TV does not bundle this service or offer it as an add-on, so there is no way to watch Big Ten Plus through your YouTube TV account alone.
Key Takeaways
- Big Ten Plus is a separate streaming service owned by the Big Ten Conference and is not available through YouTube TV in any form.
- YouTube TV carries ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and some regional sports networks where many Big Ten games air, but not the exclusive Big Ten Plus content.
- To watch Big Ten Plus games, you must subscribe directly to Big Ten Plus through its own app or website, independent of YouTube TV.
- Most major Big Ten football and basketball games air on ESPN, Fox, or Big Ten Network channels that YouTube TV does include.
What YouTube TV does include for Big Ten sports
YouTube TV carries the channels where the majority of Big Ten games broadcast. This includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox, FS1, and Big Ten Network. If a game airs on any of these networks, you can watch it through your YouTube TV subscription without paying extra.
The Big Ten Conference has media rights agreements with these networks to broadcast football, basketball, and other sports throughout the season. Most marquee matchups—conference championship games, tournament games, and high-profile regular-season contests—air on one of these channels. YouTube TV's sports package covers them all.
When you need Big Ten Plus specifically
Big Ten Plus carries games and events that the conference does not sell to ESPN, Fox, or other major networks. These are typically non-revenue sports like volleyball, field hockey, or wrestling, as well as some lower-tier football and basketball games that do not draw national broadcast interest. The conference uses Big Ten Plus to may support all its members' games are streamed somewhere, even if they are not on traditional television.
If you are following a specific team or sport and a game is listed as "Big Ten Plus only," that is the only place to watch it. YouTube TV will not have that game on any of its channels. You would need to open the Big Ten Plus app or website separately and watch there.
How to subscribe to Big Ten Plus
Big Ten Plus is available through the Big Ten's official website and through the Big Ten+ app, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. You can sign up directly on the Big Ten website or through your device's app store. The subscription is a monthly or annual service separate from YouTube TV and any cable or streaming package you already have.
When you sign up, you will create a Big Ten account and choose your payment method. Once active, you can stream Big Ten Plus content on any device where you are logged in. The service also includes some replays and on-demand content beyond live games.
Checking where a specific game will air
Before game day, check the Big Ten's official schedule on their website or app. Each game listing shows which network or platform will broadcast it—ESPN, Fox, Big Ten Network, or Big Ten Plus. If it says Big Ten Plus, that is your signal that YouTube TV will not have it.
You can also check your YouTube TV guide directly. Search for the team or game you want to watch, and YouTube TV will show you whether it appears in your channel lineup. If it does not appear, the game is likely on Big Ten Plus or another service YouTube TV does not carry.
Other streaming options for Big Ten sports
If you do not have YouTube TV, other services carry Big Ten games on ESPN and Fox channels. Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV all include ESPN and Fox in their base packages. Each of these services also requires a separate Big Ten Plus subscription if you want to watch exclusive Big Ten Plus content.
Some games may also air on network television through ABC or CBS, which you can watch with an antenna if you live in the broadcast area. The Big Ten schedule is released well in advance, so you can plan which service or combination of services makes sense for the games you want to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Big Ten Plus games through YouTube TV if I pay extra?
No. YouTube TV does not offer Big Ten Plus as an add-on or premium channel. You must subscribe to Big Ten Plus separately through its own app or website. There is no way to add it to your YouTube TV account.
Will YouTube TV add Big Ten Plus in the future?
YouTube TV's channel lineup changes occasionally, but there is no announced plan to add Big Ten Plus. The Big Ten Conference owns and operates Big Ten Plus as its own streaming service, separate from traditional broadcast agreements. It is unlikely YouTube TV will bundle it.
Do I need both YouTube TV and Big Ten Plus to watch all Big Ten games?
Not necessarily. If you only watch games that air on ESPN, Fox, or Big Ten Network, YouTube TV alone is enough. You only need Big Ten Plus if you want to watch games that are exclusive to that service. Check the schedule for the teams you follow to see how many games fall into each category.
What sports are on Big Ten Plus besides football and basketball?
Big Ten Plus streams volleyball, field hockey, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, and other Olympic sports. It also carries some football and basketball games that do not air on traditional networks. The exact lineup varies by season and by which games the conference sells to other broadcasters.
Can I watch Big Ten Plus on my TV through YouTube TV?
No. You must use the Big Ten Plus app or website directly. The Big Ten Plus app is available on most streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, so you can watch on your television through those devices, but it is not integrated into YouTube TV.