How to Watch Big Ten Network Without Cable: FOX One and More

The cheapest way to watch Big Ten Network without cable is FOX One, FOX’s streaming service, which included BTN for around $19.99 a month at the time of writing. Live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, Fubo and DirecTV also carry BTN in many plans. Since Big Ten games are spread across FOX, CBS and NBC as well, a good antenna covers many of the biggest matchups for free.

Where Big Ten games air in 2026-27

The Big Ten’s media deal splits games between several partners, so BTN is only one piece of the puzzle:

For a wider view of how to watch college football across all conferences on a budget, see our guide to the cheapest way to watch college football.

Option 1: FOX One (cheapest for BTN)

FOX One launched in August 2025 and, at the time of writing, cost around $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year. It includes your local FOX station where available, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network and FOX Deportes, plus FOX News and other FOX channels. That covers BTN and the Big Ten games on FOX and FS1 in one app.

A bundle with ESPN Unlimited was offered at around $39.99 a month, which adds ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network and ACC Network if you follow other conferences too. Our FOX One streaming guide explains devices, features and how to sign in with a TV provider.

If you already subscribe to a TV service that carries FOX channels, you may be able to sign in to the FOX One app at no extra cost; check with your provider.

Option 2: Live TV streaming services

If you want BTN along with your local channels, ESPN and a DVR in one place, a live TV service is the all-in-one choice. Lineups differ by plan and location, so use each provider’s channel lookup:

• YouTube TV: has carried BTN in its main plan and in its sports-focused plan.
• Hulu + Live TV: includes BTN in its live TV lineup.
• Sling: BTN has been part of the Sports Extra add-on on the Blue side, around $11 a month on top of the base plan.
• Fubo: carries BTN in its main plans.
• DirecTV: includes BTN in higher packages; check the tier.

Expect roughly $45 to $90 a month or more, depending on service and plan. That is good value if you are replacing cable altogether, but expensive if BTN is the only channel you want.

What B1G+ is (and why it is not BTN)

B1G+, formerly BTN+, is a separate streaming subscription, around $12.99 a month at the time of writing. It focuses on streaming-only events from Big Ten schools, such as many Olympic sports, plus replays and archive content.

The important point: B1G+ does not include the live BTN channel, and it does not carry live football and basketball games that air on BTN, FOX, CBS or NBC. It is a companion for dedicated fans, not a replacement for BTN.

Free Big Ten games with an antenna

Because FOX, CBS and NBC are broadcast networks, many of the conference’s biggest games are free over the air. An antenna will not give you BTN itself, but for some fans it covers the games they care about most.

Our guide to local channels without cable walks through checking reception and choosing an antenna. A combination of an antenna and FOX One for the season is one of the cheapest ways to see most Big Ten football.

Setting up BTN on your TV

1. Choose FOX One or a live TV service that carries BTN in your ZIP code.
2. Install the app on your Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Xbox or smart TV.
3. Sign in, or link your TV provider account if you are using an existing subscription.
4. Find BTN in the live guide and save it as a favorite.
5. Set up recordings for your team if the app supports it, so you never miss a kickoff time change.

If you want one subscription for a wide range of live channels year-round, our own IPTV Journal plan is 12 months for $89. For Big Ten games, use licensed sources like those above, since unofficial streams of conference games are unlicensed and unreliable.

Which Big Ten Network option is right for you?

For BTN at the lowest price, choose FOX One, which also covers FOX and FS1 games. If you follow several conferences, the FOX One and ESPN Unlimited bundle is worth pricing out. If you want every channel in one guide with a DVR, choose a live TV service that lists BTN in your area. Add B1G+ only if you follow sports beyond football and basketball.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to watch Big Ten Network?

At the time of writing, FOX One at around $19.99 a month was the cheapest standalone way to stream BTN. Sling’s Sports Extra add-on is another option if you already have Sling Blue.

Does FOX One include Big Ten Network?

Yes. FOX One includes BTN along with FOX, FS1 and FS2, which together carry a large share of Big Ten football and basketball.

Is B1G+ the same as Big Ten Network?

No. B1G+ is a separate streaming service focused on streaming-only events and replays. It does not include the live BTN channel or the live football and basketball games shown on BTN and national networks.

Can I watch Big Ten football for free?

Many games air on FOX, CBS and NBC, which are free with an antenna. Games on BTN, FS1 and Peacock need a paid service.

Does YouTube TV have Big Ten Network?

Yes, YouTube TV has carried BTN in its main plan and its sports-focused plan. Check YouTube TV’s channel lookup for your ZIP code before subscribing.