In Indianapolis we used to get the Purdue and IU games for free on one of the local stations. Now, practically every basketball game is exclusively shown on the Big Ten Network. What's worse, no cable stations carry the Big Ten network. The Big Ten demands that it be a part of the basic package, so they can charge more. It would also be the second most expensive cable channel (behind only ESPN). The Big Ten will not allow it to be a part of sports tier package, which it should be.
I'm pleased with the cable companies for not giving in to the Big Ten's demands on this. This would drive up the cost of cable for everyone, not just the people who want the Big Ten network. On top of it, the Big Ten is the firs conference to have their own network, so this will set the precedent. If the cable companies give in, maybe everyone's cable bill goes up $2. What happens when the ACC, PAC10, and Big 12 all have their own networks? They're going to look at the precedent established by the Big 10 and follow that model. What happens when the SEC starts their own network and claims they should get more than the Big Ten? Pretty soon your basic cable package has doubled (at least) in price, and the average American can no longer afford it. Is it fair that my grandmother, who couldn't care less about sports, should have her cable bill doubled because she's forced to pay for networks she has no interest in? She'll have to cancel, as she simply cannot afford it. More importantly, she shouldn't have to.
I'm pissy with the Big Ten for doing this at all and taking my basketball and football away.
Real nice. That's a great way to treat your fans. Your fans are the ones who made the Big Ten what it is. We are ones who support the teams. It's revenue from the fans, and the support of the fans that allow the teams to build better facilities, hire coaches, and give student-athletes scholarships. Without the support of the fans, the Big Ten wouldn't even exist, let alone be what it is today.
So this, then, is how the Big Ten rewards their fans? To hold the games hostage and demand more, more, more? When is it enough? How much is too much? Shame on the Big Ten for doing this to their fans.
In the words of Tom Petty - "As we celebrate mediocrity, the boys upstairs want to see, how much you'll pay for what you used to get for free."
John Farson is a regular contributor to live sports talk forum, a site specializing in MLB fan forums, information on college recruiting, and clean sports jokes.
