Big Ten Network blackout looms over Comcast subscribers in new member school markets

“The Big Ten Network is proud to present an expanded slate of live sporting events featuring the newest members of the B1G conference,” the Big Ten said in a statement. “However, most Comcast subscribers will not see these games. As the one distribution partner that declined to expand along with us, Comcast Xfinity viewers in many areas will not have access to live broadcasts of the highly anticipated inaugural B1G season games for Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.”

USC and UCLA fans will be less affected, as their games this weekend are scheduled to be nationally televised and won’t be impacted by the blackout.

Comcast, which owns NBC — a network that holds the Big Ten’s "Saturday Night Football" package — responded by emphasizing its commitment to controlling costs for its customers while negotiating with Fox, the majority owner of BTN.

“We’re sensitive to the impact these costs have on our customers and have been in discussions with Fox and the Big Ten Network to find a solution to make certain former Pac-12 games available to the people who want them while not forcing others to pay for content they don’t want to watch,” Comcast said in a statement. “We hope to be able to reach a fair agreement with Fox and the Big Ten Network to offer these games to our customers.”

This dispute has emerged as an unexpected consequence of conference realignment, raising questions among fans about whether the transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten will ultimately enhance their viewing experience.