We’ve got a real head-scratcher on our hands, courtesy of Comcast Xfinity and their handling of the Big Ten Network’s new additions.
John Canzano over at the Bald Faced Truth Newsletter has been digging into this, and it’s not pretty.
The Bottom Line: Comcast is blacking out Big Ten Network games featuring Oregon, Washington, UCLA, and USC. Yes, you read that right. The very schools that jumped ship from the Pac-12, partly for better TV distribution, are now facing blackouts in their inaugural Big Ten season.
The Fumble: Comcast and the Big Ten Network are at odds over whether live games should be part of the basic cable package or require an upgraded sports tier. Comcast wants that extra $10 a month. The Big Ten Network? Not so much.
The Fallout: Fans are understandably furious. Many shelled out the extra cash based on Comcast’s assurances, only to find live games are MIA. We’re talking football, soccer, volleyball – the whole shebang.
The Bigger Picture: This isn’t just about a few missed games. It’s about broken promises, poor communication, and a major fumble on Comcast’s part. Remember those Pac-12 distribution woes that haunted fans for years? Yeah, this feels a bit like déjà vu.
The Silver Lining: Other providers like Hulu, YouTube TV, etc., aren’t having any issues. So, if you’re fed up with Comcast’s shenanigans, you’ve got options.
The Takeaway: Comcast needs to get its act together. Fast. This isn’t how you welcome new teams and their fans to the Big Ten family. Let’s hope they resolve this mess before the first football games kick off. Otherwise, they risk alienating a massive chunk of their customer base.
Stay tuned: We’ll keep you updated on this developing story. In the meantime, let’s hope Comcast sees the light and does right by its customers.