Short Answer: BTN is available on channel 610 on DirecTV, and it is included in the ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER programming packages at no extra cost.
The Big Ten Network (BTN) is a must-have channel for any college sports fan. As the official TV home of the prestigious Big Ten Conference, BTN provides comprehensive coverage of football, basketball, Olympic sports, and more from schools like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin.
For satellite TV subscribers, BTN is available on DirecTV’s platform. Understanding which DirecTV package carries BTN and how to access the channel is key to following your favorite Big Ten teams.
Understanding BTN
Launched in 2007, BTN was the first-ever TV network dedicated to covering a single collegiate athletic conference. Through a partnership between the Big Ten and Fox Entertainment, BTN set out to deliver top-quality programming spotlighting the conference’s rich sports tradition and showcasing the league’s iconic rivalries and powerhouse teams.
Over the years, BTN has become an indispensable source for Big Ten sports fans. It provides coverage of football, basketball, Olympic sports, and championship events across the conference’s 14 member universities.
Types of Sports and Events Covered by BTN
BTN’s programming slate includes:
- 40+ football games
- 200+ men’s and women’s basketball games
- 22 Big Ten Basketball Tournament matchups
- 100+ Olympic sporting events like volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and more
- Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Softball Tournament, and other championship events
No other network offers more in-depth year-round coverage of Big Ten athletics across the board.
BTN’s Commitment to Promoting Women’s Sports and Inclusivity
One admirable aspect of BTN is its concerted effort to highlight women’s sports and foster inclusivity. Over 50% of BTN’s televised programming features women’s athletics from Big Ten schools. This demonstrates the network’s values of diversity, equity, and representation on and off the field of play.
BTN on DirecTV
For DirecTV subscribers, BTN can be found on channel 610 in the channel lineup. This channel slot carries BTN’s live games and studio programming in standard and high definition.
So whenever you want to tune in to BTN on DirecTV, simply turn to channel 610 regardless of where you are located.
Availability of BTN Across Different DirecTV Packages
BTN is included with DirecTV’s CHOICE package and above. That means the CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER packages all carry BTN as part of the base package.
The CHOICE package is an ideal option for fans who want BTN plus additional sports content. Priced at $84.99/month, CHOICE offers over 140 channels including other top sports networks like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, MLB Network, and more.
So if you want a well-rounded sports viewing package that features BTN and other national sports channels, the CHOICE plan is a perfect fit.
How to Watch BTN on DirecTV
Watching BTN through your DirecTV subscription only takes a few simple steps:
- Confirm you have an active subscription to CHOICE or a higher package.
- Turn on your DirecTV set-top box and TV.
- Use your DirecTV remote or guide to tune to channel 610.
- Enjoy the live BTN broadcast!
It’s that easy to access Big Ten sports and studio programming on DirecTV.
Additional Features Like DVR Recording and Live Streaming Through the DirecTV App
DirecTV offers useful enhancements that make it even easier to watch BTN.
The provider’s Genie DVR allows you to record BTN’s live games, shows, and other content to watch on your schedule. You can also live stream BTN through the DirecTV app when away from your TV.
So not only is BTN readily available on DirecTV channel 610, but you get the flexibility to time-shift or stream that BTN programming on top devices.
Programming Highlights on BTN
As the TV home of the Big Ten Conference, BTN airs an abundance of premium sports programming throughout the year:
Football – BTN is the place to watch Big Ten football games each Saturday during the fall. Marquee matchups, top teams, iconic stadium atmospheres – BTN delivers it all.
Basketball – Catch exciting Big Ten basketball action on BTN all winter long. From the intensity of league play to March Madness thrillers, BTN is courtside.
Olympic Sports – In addition to football and basketball, BTN showcases Big Ten Olympic sports like volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and more.
Championships – Don’t miss a second of the Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Women’s Basketball Tournament, and other championship events broadcasted on BTN.
No matter the sport, BTN is the #1 destination for Big Ten athletics.
Introduction to Studio and Original Programming on BTN
Complementing its live sports coverage, BTN also produces compelling studio shows and original programming. Examples include:
- B1G Today – Daily news, analysis, interviews and highlights from around the Big Ten.
- The B1G Show – Weekly magazine-style show spotlighting Big Ten athletic programs and student-athletes.
- The Journey – Emmy-nominated documentary series chronicling a season in the lives of Big Ten basketball teams.
These shows provide expert insight, storytelling and discussion that enriches BTN’s overall programming slate.
Supporting BTN Without Cable
While DirecTV provides reliable access to BTN, there are alternatives for streaming BTN without a cable/satellite subscription:
- Streaming TV Services – Options like DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, and YouTube TV carry BTN in certain packages and can be watched on connected devices.
- BTN App – The BTN app offers some live streaming of BTN programming based on TV provider authentication.
So if you want to cut the cord down the road, BTN can still be watched through these streaming avenues.
Additional DirecTV Features for Sports Fans
In addition to BTN, DirecTV offers sports fans a wealth of additional sports content and viewing features:
- Sports Packages – DirecTV offers dedicated sports packages like NFL SUNDAY TICKET and MLB EXTRA INNINGS to complement BTN.
- Regional Sports Networks – Based on location, subscribers can also access regional sports networks covering local pro and college teams.
- 4K HDR – For the ultimate viewing experience, DirecTV offers select live sports and events in 4K HDR picture quality.
- Multi-View – Catch multiple live games on one screen using DirecTV’s Multi-View feature.
When combined with BTN, these extras make DirecTV a prime destination for avid sports fans everywhere.
FAQs
How to find BTN on DirecTV if the channel number changes?
BTN is currently carried on DirecTV channel 610. If that changes in the future, the new channel slot can be found at DirecTV channel guide or using the on-screen DirecTV guide.
Can you watch BTN outside of the United States?
Unfortunately at this time BTN is only available for viewing inside the United States. International subscribers would need to use a VPN service to access the US DirecTV feed and watch BTN abroad.
What to do if BTN is not appearing on your DirecTV channel lineup?
If BTN is missing from your DirecTV lineup, double check that your account is subscribed to the CHOICE package or above. BTN may also be subject to rare regional restrictions. Contact DirecTV customer support for troubleshooting.
Conclusion
BTN stands alone as the #1 TV home for passionate Big Ten Conference fans. Its best-in-class football, basketball, and Olympic sports coverage spotlights the legacy and tradition of Big Ten athletics all year long.
Fortunately, BTN can be easily accessed by DirecTV customers subscribed to the CHOICE package or greater. Tuning to channel 610 provides a gateway to the 24/7 BTN experience.
Combined with advanced features like DVR, Multi-View, and 4K HDR, plus additional sports packages, DirecTV satisfies every Big Ten fanatic. So get ready to enjoy all the edge-of-your-seat action that BTN delivers!
