Finally a channel for Big Ten diehards

ContraCostaTimes.com | 06/26/2006 | Finally a channel for Big Ten diehards The Big Ten Conference is thinking outside the box. Beginning in August 2007, the conference will launch its own television network, which will be called -- drum roll, please -- the Big Ten Channel.

Well, OK, the name isn't much, but you have to admire the ambition.

'It will be a destination for all things Big Ten,' said commissioner James E. Delany, whose definition for 'all' is a little loose. Football and men's basketball games will be on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2, as stipulated by contractual agreement. But all the other things -- you know, soccer, tennis, swimming, diving and wrestling -- you'll find them there.

The Big Ten Channel involves a partnership with Fox Cable Networks and will be available to satellite and cable distributors and through the Internet, iPods and cell phones.