The Husky Haul
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Big Ten Network-Comcast dispute continue, may impact Washington Husky football fans

By Ethan Lee

Sep 23, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; A detailed view of the Big Ten Conference logo on the field prior to the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; A detailed view of the Big Ten Conference logo on the field prior to the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports / Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
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With the Washington Huskies getting the 2024 season started in a few hours, unfortunately there are some Washington Husky football fans who may not get a chance to check out the start to the Jedd Fisch era in Seattle. 

Shoutout to the ongoing and frustrating contract dispute that exists between the Big Ten Network and Comcast Xfinity. 

And unfortunately for the four new Big Ten teams out on the West Coast (the Washington Huskies, Oregon Ducks, UCLA Bruins, and USC Trojans), there’s not really a timeframe for this problem to get resolved.

What exactly is going on? Well, let’s go over that real quick.

Big Ten Network and Comcast Xfinity fail to reach expanded coverage agreement 

With the addition of the West Coast Big Ten teams this season, there isn’t a deal in place currently to expand coverage for the conference’s newest members between the Big Ten Network and Comcast Xfinity. It’s a weird deal that has to do with some media rights and involves silly contract squabbles. 

I don’t know all the details and I don’t really want to. I know that both Comcast Xfinity and the Big Ten Network want you to blame the opposite entity and put pressure on them until someone reaches some sort of compromise.

It sucks. 

The Big Ten Network did share a statement on the matter though.

So, what can you do if you’re caught in the middle of this media rights expansion and distribution mess? Well, there are options to consider.

Comcast Xfinity alternatives for Washington Husky football fans

If you happen to be impacted by these sorts of shenanigans, there are some options. You could just outright end your deal with Comcast. That is technically an option. You could go watch the game with a friend or head to a restaurant or sports bar. 

Or, there are some other solutions. Like streaming services. The following streaming services all offer Big Ten Network at some package or deal or another. 

  • YouTube TV
  • Fubo
  • Sling 
  • Hulu

And there are free trials to look into as a short-term solution here.

But unfortunately, there’s no long term resolution in sight right now. You can raise your frustrations with Comcast if you like, or it might just be best to look at another option that currently has a distribution deal in place.

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