Big Ten Plus is a streaming add-on that costs extra beyond your base cable or streaming package

Big Ten Plus (often written as B1G+) is a digital streaming service run by the Big Ten Conference that shows sports events not broadcast on traditional television. It is not a standalone subscription — you buy it as an add-on through existing platforms like Peacock, Apple TV+, or directly through the Big Ten's own app. The cost and what you get depends on which platform you use to access it.

The service primarily carries Big Ten sports: football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other conference competitions. Games shown on Big Ten Plus are typically those that would not draw large enough audiences for cable television, or events scheduled during times when the conference's main TV partners are showing other sports.

Because Big Ten Plus is a conference-run service rather than a traditional cable channel, the subscription model and pricing structure differ from what you might expect from a standard streaming service. You are paying for access to a specific set of games, not a library of on-demand content.

Key Takeaways

  • Big Ten Plus costs vary by platform: roughly $9.99 per month through Peacock, or a one-time annual fee through the Big Ten app, with exact pricing depending on current promotions.
  • You do not need a cable subscription to watch Big Ten Plus, but you do need a subscription to whichever streaming platform carries it in your region.
  • Games shown on Big Ten Plus change week to week based on the conference schedule and television contracts with ESPN, Fox, and other broadcasters.
  • The service includes live games, replays, and some behind-the-scenes content, but does not include every Big Ten sporting event — major games air on traditional TV channels instead.

Where to buy Big Ten Plus and what each platform charges

The most common way to watch Big Ten Plus is through Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming platform. If you already subscribe to Peacock Premium (the ad-supported tier), Big Ten Plus is included at no extra cost. If you use Peacock Free or want to watch on Peacock without ads, you pay an additional monthly fee on top of your Peacock subscription. Peacock Premium with ads costs around $5.99 per month, and adding Big Ten Plus costs roughly $9.99 per month more, though these prices change and may vary by promotion.

You can also subscribe to Big Ten Plus directly through the Big Ten app or the Big Ten's website. This route typically offers an annual subscription option, which may cost less per month than paying month-to-month through Peacock. The exact price depends on current offers and whether you are buying for a single season or a full year.

In some regions or for certain sports, Big Ten Plus content may also be available through Apple TV+ or other platforms, though Peacock remains the primary distributor. Check the Big Ten's official website or app to see which platforms carry games in your area, as this can change by season.

What sports and games are included

Big Ten Plus shows live games across multiple sports: men's and women's basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and others. However, not every game is on Big Ten Plus. The conference has television contracts with ESPN, Fox, and other broadcasters, so the biggest games — conference championships, rivalry matchups, and games with high viewership — air on those channels instead.

Big Ten Plus typically carries the games that fall into lower-viewership time slots or less prominent matchups. For example, a Tuesday night women's basketball game between two mid-tier teams might stream on Big Ten Plus, while a Saturday afternoon men's football game airs on Fox or ESPN. The schedule changes week to week and season to season based on which broadcaster has rights to which games.

The service also includes replays of games and some original content like team interviews or behind-the-scenes footage, though the primary draw is live game access. If you are following a specific team, you will need to check the conference schedule to see which of their games appear on Big Ten Plus versus traditional television.

How Big Ten Plus differs from cable sports packages

Big Ten Plus does not require a cable subscription. You can watch it with only an internet connection and a subscription to Peacock or the Big Ten app. This makes it more flexible than traditional cable packages, which bundle sports channels with hundreds of other channels you may not watch.

However, Big Ten Plus is narrower in scope than a full cable sports package. It shows only Big Ten Conference events, not games from other conferences or professional sports leagues. If you want to watch college sports from the ACC, SEC, or other conferences, you would need separate subscriptions or cable access to those channels.

The trade-off is cost versus breadth. A cable sports package might cost $50 to $100 per month and include dozens of channels. Big Ten Plus costs roughly $10 per month (or less if bundled with Peacock) but shows only Big Ten sports. For someone who watches primarily Big Ten games, this is cheaper. For someone who follows multiple conferences, it is only part of the solution.

Blackout rules and regional restrictions

Big Ten Plus games are subject to blackout restrictions in some cases. If a game is broadcast on a local or regional television channel in your area, Big Ten Plus may not be allowed to stream it simultaneously. This is because the conference has sold exclusive broadcast rights to certain games in certain regions.

Blackout rules vary by game, by region, and by the specific broadcast agreements in place. A game might be blacked out in one state but available to stream in another. The Big Ten app and Peacock typically show which games are available in your location before you try to watch.

If a game is blacked out on Big Ten Plus, it usually means it is being broadcast on cable or local television in your area. You can watch it through that channel instead, or wait for a replay to become available on Big Ten Plus after the live broadcast ends.

Device compatibility and streaming quality

Big Ten Plus works on most devices that support Peacock or the Big Ten app: smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, and gaming consoles. The specific devices available depend on which platform you use. Peacock, for example, works on iPhones, Android phones, Fire tablets, Roku devices, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and web browsers.

Streaming quality depends on your internet speed and the platform you use. Peacock offers streams in up to 4K resolution on some devices, though standard HD is more common. The Big Ten app's quality varies similarly. Both platforms allow you to adjust video quality settings if your internet connection is slow.

Live sports streaming can be affected by internet congestion, especially during popular games or peak viewing times. If you experience buffering or quality drops, lowering the video quality setting or moving closer to your router may help.

Cancellation and month-to-month versus annual options

If you subscribe to Big Ten Plus through Peacock, you can cancel your Big Ten Plus add-on at any time without affecting your Peacock subscription. Cancellation is typically when ready, and you stop being charged at the end of your current billing cycle.

If you buy Big Ten Plus directly through the Big Ten app or website, the cancellation process depends on whether you chose a monthly or annual plan. Monthly subscriptions can usually be cancelled when ready. Annual subscriptions typically cannot be refunded mid-year, though some promotions may include a cancellation window.

Check the terms of whichever platform you use before buying. Peacock's cancellation is straightforward through account settings. The Big Ten app's cancellation process is found in your account or subscription settings within the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch Big Ten Plus?

No. Big Ten Plus is a standalone streaming service that works with only an internet connection and a subscription to Peacock or the Big Ten app. You do not need a cable package to watch it.

Is Big Ten Plus included with Peacock Premium?

Big Ten Plus is included with Peacock Premium (the ad-supported tier) at no extra cost. If you use Peacock Free or Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free), you pay an additional monthly fee for Big Ten Plus access.

Can I watch Big Ten Plus on my TV?

Yes. You can watch through the Peacock app or Big Ten app on smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, gaming consoles, or by connecting a computer or phone to your TV. Availability depends on which device you own and which platform you subscribe through.

What happens if a game is blacked out in my area?

Blackout means the game is being broadcast on local or cable television in your region instead. You can watch it on that channel, or wait for a replay to become available on Big Ten Plus after the live broadcast ends.

Can I share my Big Ten Plus subscription with family members?

Sharing rules depend on the platform. Peacock allows multiple profiles on one account and permits streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, depending on your subscription tier. The Big Ten app's sharing policy is stricter. Check your platform's terms for details on household sharing.