B1G Network, or Big Ten Network, is a station dedicated to college sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and more. More specifically (and depending on who you ask, importantly), they also host the Big Ten Conference. Broadcasting a wide range of college sports events, analysis, highlights, and feature programs, Big Ten Network is a must-have for the avid sports fan turned cord-cutter.
So you’re probably wondering, how can I watch Big Ten Network for free? You can tune into Big Ten Network using free trials, and DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and YouTube TV are your best options.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream, one of the earliest live TV streaming services, has undergone a number of name changes and ownership shifts since its 2016 launch. However, it still stands out for its Regional Sports Networks, a rare feature in today's cord-cutting landscape. The company, with nearly 30 years of satellite TV experience, provides a diverse content selection, including major broadcast networks, a wide range of regional sports networks (RSNs), and of course, Big Ten Network.
DirecTV Stream free trial
DirecTV Stream’s free trial is on the shorter side, but it still gives you 5 days to try out the service and stream Big Ten Network. The good news is the free trial is available at every tier, so you can get 5 days of any channel package: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. The other good news? When DIRECTV is running its seasonal promo, you can also include a 3-month free trial of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and MGM+ with Entertainment or higher packages, so you get 5 free days of those premium channels too!
To avoid being charged, just be sure to cancel your free trial within those 5 days. You can learn more about the DirecTV Stream free trial here.
DirecTV Stream plans and pricing
As mentioned above, DirecTV Stream offers 4 different channel packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. You only need the Entertainment package to get Big Ten Network, but it may be worthwhile to try out the Premier option since it comes with more channels and the free trial is available for it as well.
DIRECTV Stream Entertainment
$59.99 for the first month
- 90+ channels
- Local channels and ESPN Unlimited
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Unlimited streams
$89.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Óptimo Más
- 100+ live TV channels
- Spanish and English programming
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$74.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Choice
$64.99 for the first month, then $10 off for 2 months
- 125+ channels
- Includes regional sports networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Unlimited streams
$94.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Ultimate
$99.99 for the first month, then $10 off for 2 months
- 160+ channels
- Includes regional sports networks
- STARZ Encore and NHL Network
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$129.99/month
DIRECTV Stream Premier
- 185+ channels
- Includes HBO Max, Paramount+ Premium, STARZ and Cinemax
- Includes regional sports networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
$159.99/month
Fubo
Fubo has positioned itself as a top choice for cord-cutters seeking a live, over-the-top streaming service. It has secured deals with major networks like Fox, NBC, CBS, and Scripps, which broadens its content offering even further. Fubo excels in serving sports fans, as it originally focused on sports content, and about half of its channels are dedicated to sports, including Big Ten Network.
Fubo free trial
Fubo’s free trial length is pretty average amongst streamers. You get 5 days to try out the platform and watch Big Ten Network in addition to any of its other channel offerings. The free trial is available for every plan option so that means you get the option of watching 280+ channels for free during your trial period.
Just be sure to cancel your free trial within 5 days if you don’t want to be charged for Fubo. Click here to read more about the Fubo free trial.
Fubo plans and pricing
Fubo offers 3 main English plans: Pro, Elite, and Premier. Big Ten Network is available in each plan, so feel free to try out any one of them. As mentioned before, Fubo made its name as a sports-centric streamer, so they offer a variety of sports channels you can tune into outside of Big Ten Network.
Fubo Pro
5-day free trial
- 216+ channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Stream on 10 screens at home
- Regional sports fee added at checkout ($13 to $17)
$88.99/month
Fubo Elite
5-day free trial
- 280+ channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Stream on 10 screens at home
- 4K Plus included
- Regional sports fee included
$98.99/month
YouTube TV
YouTube TV, launched in 2017, aimed to redefine the TV experience for the new generation, focusing on Millennials. They prioritized securing local station streaming rights and mobile apps over traditional TV apps, resulting in a slower rollout compared to competitors like Hulu with Live TV. While Hulu had more subscribers by the end of 2017, YouTube TV has since expanded and offers a wide range of local and sports content. Although it's on the pricier side, it's an excellent choice for families and friends.
YouTube TV free trial
YouTube TV offers one of the most generous free trials across streamers, giving you a whopping 10 days to try out the platform and see if its for you. Sign up for the free trial to get 10 free days of Big Ten Network and cancel before the end of your trial to avoid being charged.
If you decide you like the service, YouTube TV often runs limited-time discounts for new subscribers (in 2026, $15 off per month for your first five months).
YouTube TV plans and pricing
YouTube TV only offers one main channel package, but it comes with over 100 channels in addition to Big Ten Network, including ABC, NBC, and ESPN. Outside of having Big Ten Network, YouTube is also the new home for the NFL Sunday Ticket, so it’s a particularly good deal for football fans.
Lisa Holden • Author
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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