Sept. 15, 2012
UI Director of Athletics Gary Barta Statement on BTN-Dish Network Negotiations
“I was extremely disappointed to learn this morning that an agreement had not been finalized. To be clear, the Big Ten Network is producing live coverage of today’s football game at historic Kinnick Stadium and seven other games featuring Big Ten teams, and is making all eight of these games available to millions of fans via hundreds of television providers across the country including, in the state of Iowa, Mediacom, Direct TV, and dozens of other cable television providers.
“The University of Iowa does not have a seat at the negotiation table. We do completely support BTN’s efforts and know that an agreement is possible because BTN has successfully reached agreements with all major television providers in the Big Ten geographic footprint except one: Dish Network.
“BTN is currently celebrating its five-year anniversary and has firmly established itself as one of the leading sports television networks in the country.”
BTN’s Message to Dish Network Customers
Despite Big Ten Network’s efforts to finalize an agreement, we are disappointed to tell you that Dish Network has decided to drop the Big Ten Network. As you know, BTN has been working around the clock for weeks to try and reach a deal with Dish. They are now unwilling to sign a contract.
Dish customers will miss the rest of the football season on BTN and over 400 Big Ten sporting events. Not only are you missing eight Big Ten games today, but several dozen more this season and over a hundred men’s basketball games. It is unfortunate that Dish does not value BTN in the same way that so many of their customers do, including Big Ten students, parents, alumni and fans across the country. Furthermore, DISH customers will continue to pay Dish for a channel they no longer receive.
If Dish won’t give you the games you want, others will. To find another BTN provider, go to IWantBTN.com or call 1-855-WANT-B10 (1-855-926-8210) for more information. Stay up to date on the latest developments on BTN’s Facebook page and on Twitter.
Thank you for your support.
