A similar dispute between the Big Ten Network and major cable providers has kept University of Wisconsin football and basketball games off cable TV. Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications, the two major cable companies in Wisconsin, do not carry the channel.
The cable companies say they want to keep subscription prices down by including the Big Ten Network only as part of an optional premium sports package. Big Ten Network, which launched Aug. 30, insists the network be part of an extended basic cable package, saying the local appeal warrants widespread access to the games.
The battle is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.