Penn State games in jeopardy on Comcast, pending deal with Big Ten Network, Fox

Frank Bodani
York Daily Record
FILE - This Wednesday, March 29, 2017, file photo shows a sign outside the Comcast Center in Philadelphia. Cable operators Comcast and Charter Communications have agreed to form a wireless partnership in order to strengthen their positions in the rapidly growing sector. Comcast and Charter Communications Inc. said Monday, May 8, that their partnership will give customers more choice and competitive prices. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Penn State fans appear in jeopardy of not being able to view some Penn State games this fall on Comcast.

A contract dispute between the cable TV giant and the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports National Network could potentially erase games around the league on the "the primary cable provider inside the Big Ten's footprint."

The sides have until Aug. 31 to reach an agreement, according to reporting done by PennLive and other media outlets covering Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.

The Nittany Lions open their season Sept. 1 against Appalachian State — scheduled to be televised by the BTN.

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This issue went public this past spring when Comcast announced it would be dropping the BTN in states without a conference team.

BTN president Mark Silverman said about 60 games are scheduled to be broadcast on the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports 1 in 2018. 

"Unfortunately, my fear is the removal of BTN in the outer market may just be the first step in Comcast’s plan to remove BTN from their systems everywhere, including the Big Ten home markets," Silverman said.

Comcast provided this statement through Robert Grove, vice president of communications:

"Comcast's agreements with content providers, like the Big Ten Network, expire from time to time.  We are communicating with the Big Ten Network about continuing to carry it after August 31 and look forward to productive negotiations."

Silverman made sure to point out that Big Ten games also are available on alternate TV and Internet providers. "Viewers will have no problem finding alternative providers in their area."