New network offers more exposure

The Big Ten is undoubtedly one of the most elite conferences to affect the sporting world today. From a rough-and-tough attitude on the courts and fields to the multiple historical achievements of teams and coaches, it is endowed with a rich tradition of excellence. IU has the distinct honor of being a part of that tradition and bringing its own achievements to the table. \nSo when the Big Ten Network was revealed as being ready for launch in August 2007, Hoosiers and other Big Ten fans around the nation grew excited for greater national exposure. The network will be available both to cable providers and as a part of DirectTV's total choice package. That means more football (76-plus games guaranteed per season from new contracts) -- great! And more men's basketball (165-plus games guaranteed per season) -- even better! But in these two areas the Big Ten is already relatively well-known and followed closely. So what is it about the network that is providing such a huge benefit to sports viewers everywhere?\nIt is the exposure that it will provide for the less-followed sports of women's basketball and volleyball. As a result of its agreement with Fox Cable Networks, the 55 Big Ten regular-season women's basketball games will be aired along with nine Big Ten Tournament games per season. The conference's agreement with ABC/ESPN guarantees at least 100 women's basketball and volleyball games will be aired over the course of the 10-year contract, including each season's women's basketball Big Ten championship game.\nAlumni from the Big Ten Conference are spread all over the nation. While there is no doubt that the major money-making sports invoke in so many a passion that few other events can, there are many of those Big Ten graduates who were at least in some way affected by women's athletics. Both Michigan State and Purdue average more than 6,000 attendees to each of their home women's basketball games. That is 6,000 people every game who might wish to continue following women's basketball in some way other than newsprint or Web updates. \nSuch a trend is not unnoticed. From Jan. 4 through Jan. 7, four nationally televised games included Big Ten women's basketball teams, including one conference matchup between Ohio State and Minnesota on Jan. 4 that aired on CSTV.\nThe number of Big Ten women's basketball fans has been building for years. This season the conference will celebrate its 25th season of women's championships. With 25 years of excellence as evidence of a growing national trend, the Big Ten Network is giving credit where credit is due. \nSo as March Madness rolls around and we cheer on the men's basketball team to a hopeful victory in the Big Ten tournament, it may do women's basketball fans well to remember that very soon, coverage of another elite tournament is coming. And it is hard to deny the legitimacy of airing such a great tradition that will continue to grow. With wider national coverage, reaching heights of even 10,000 in average attendance for women's Big Ten basketball games does not seem out of reach. The Big Ten Network is taking great strides that will benefit fans for years to come.