Big Ten fans, more than any other major conference fan base, have been jostled around with how to watch their teams play. NBC may be adding another wrinkle with a cable-only sports channel. According to Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal, the network is exploring the feasibility of this idea, which would add another layer of confusion for Big Ten fans to navigate when finding their games.
NBC continues to experiment with how it would like to show Big Ten games. The Big Ten has a partnership to air games on both the non-cable channel NBC and the streaming-only service Peacock. There's also an agreement in place with Fox and the Big Ten that adds a bit more of a complication.
It appears that the main goal of this channel, if it comes to be, would be to simulcast the sporting events taking place on Peacock, which would be beneficial for cable subscribers who don't want to pay for Peacock. There is a bit of ambiguity on how exactly that would work especially with a focus from NBC of not "cannibalizing their own products."
NBC is thinking about adding a sports exclusive cable channel
"NBCU executives are exploring a sports-cable channel with the idea that it would complement, rather than cannibalize, its Peacock service and provide a hedge should it grow slower than officials expect."Joe Flint, Wall Street Journal
It doesn't look like it's a for sure idea and right now it's simply being investigated. It does match a move by NBC to continue to lean into the the sports fan market. Last year, the network made an intentional push in this direction with Peacock. Adding exclusive games only on Peacock which drove Big Ten fans crazy but with an overarching goal of adding more sports subcribers to the platform.
They also are adding exclusive NBA games this fall to Peacock. Once again, a strong focus on getting more sports fans to watch and subscribe to Peacock. This is in conjunction with other exclusive games that Peacock airs even an NFL game or two during the season.
While this move isn't finalized and it may be deemed too much splitting of their own fanbase, it would add one more frustration for Big Ten fans as they try to find their games on TV.