Several live TV streaming services, including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV offer Big Ten Network in the base package. In this viewing guide, I will walk sports fans through the best options for watching the Big Ten Network live-stream.
Table of Contents
While many of the Big Ten’s marquee matchups appear on larger networks, like FOX and CBS, the Big Ten Network carries many games that devoted Big Ten fans will want to watch.
Although Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu all carry the Big Ten Network, some apps require premium upgrades to access BTN. Our top pick for watching the channel in 2024 is Fubo. Fubo carries the Big Ten Network in the base package and also offers a growing lineup of 4K sports programming, including for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.
Watch the Big Ten Network in the base package, plus ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, FS1, ESPN, and more. | $74.99 / month | 7 Day Free Trial |
Watch Big Ten Network, plus local regional sports networks, including YES Network, in-market. | $99.99 / month | 5 Day Free Trial |
Watch Big Ten Network in the base package. | $72.99 / month | 14 Day Free Trial |
One of the things I enjoy most about living in the Mountain West timezone is the opportunity to watch the Big Ten games with 10 A.M. kickoffs. There is something really fun about watching a game while finishing up your morning coffee. But I don’t have cable and have had to find creative ways to watch my favorite Midwest teams online. The good news for cord cutters is that many of the top live TV streaming services carry the Big Ten Network.
Streaming options
Several live TV streaming services live stream the Big Ten Network, but only 3 platforms, fuboTV, Hulu, and YouTube TV offer the channel in the base package.
| DIRECTV STREAM – Choice | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | Paramount+ | YouTube TV | Orange & Blue Sports Extra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $99.99 / month | $74.99 / month | $69.99 / month | $5.99 / month | $72.99 / month | $65 / month |
Free trials and top picks
Yes, you can live stream Big Ten Network on Fubo in the base package.
Fubo is my top pick for streaming the Big Ten Network because, unlike DIRECTV STREAM, fuboTV offers the Big Ten Network as part of its base package, whereas DIRECTV STREAM requires an upgrade to the pricey “Choice” plan to access BTN. In addition to its easy and intuitive setup process, one of the features we like most about fuboTV is the ease with which the app allows subscribers to pause a membership during the football offseason, a feature that can save cord cutting sports fans a significant amount of money.
Fubo offers all the channels sports fans need to watch NCAAF on Saturdays and the NFL on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.
Fubo TV offers a free one-week trial, so if you’re in a pinch, and need to get that Ohio State vs. Michigan game on now, you can do so without coming out of pocket.
Read our Fubo TV review.
Yes, you can watch Big Ten Network on DIRECTV STREAM.
Can I stream from a smart phone? Yes.
DIRECTV STREAM carries the Big Ten Network as part of its “CHOICE” package, but the monthly price is steep. The advantage of going with a Choice package from DIRECTV STREAM is you will get access to a number of regional sports networks, Bally’s Sports Detroit and Bally Sports Wisconsin included, so you’ll end up with a more comprehensive sports package for your local pro sports teams. For some fans,DIRECTV STREAM’s large selection of RSNs will be worth the additional cost.
Read our DIRECTV STREAM review.
Yes, you can watch Big Ten Network on Sling TV. You can add Sports Extra to a basic Sling package, or add Sports Extra to Orange & Blue.
To watch the Big Ten Network on Sling TV, you order Sling Blue and add the Sports Extra add-on. The total for both services is $46 per month, which is a significantly cheaper option than either DIRECTV STREAM or fuboTV.
Read our Sling TV review.
Yes, Hulu + Live TV carries the Big Ten Network.
Can I stream from a smart phone? Yes.
Hulu TV is another option for cord cutters wanting to watch the Big Ten Network. Through Hulu’s Live TV package, viewers can access their favorite Big Ten games. Hulu also offers a free trial, and after that the service will cost you $64.99 per month.
Read our Hulu + Live TV review.
Yes, YouTube TV carries the Big Ten Network.
Read our full YouTube TV review.
FAQ
Yes, FOX is a part owner of BTN, so you can watch BTN with the FOX Sports app, and the platform offers a generous 1 hour free preview. After the 1 hour preview ends, you will need to use your cable or live TV streaming credentials to login to the app via TV Everywhere if you want to continue watching.
The Big Ten’s new TV deal features a large lineup of nationally televised games on FOX, CBS, and NBC. These national channels will have the first pick of each week’s marquee games, with the less sought-after TV inventory falling to Big Ten Network. In 2023, the games that air on BTN will usually feature unranked opponents or a powerhouse team, like Ohio State, taking on a smaller school in an early-season game.
Team Viewing Guides
Illinois Fighting Illini Viewing Guide
Indiana Hoosiers Viewing Guide
Iowa Hawkeyes Viewing Guide
Maryland Terrapins Viewing Guide
Michigan State Spartans Viewing Guide