Big East, Fox Sports To Tip Hybrid Digital Network

The Big East Conference will soon tip off a dedicated digital channel within Fox Sports’ live streaming app.

The Big East Digital Network will post up as its own branded channel within FoxSportsGO, which houses live streaming video of the programmer’s various properties.

As the first collegiate conference to be hosted on the network’s mobile platform, the hybrid Big East Digital Network will provide conference specific, year-round high-definition content, including exclusive free live streaming of 80-100 sporting events annually, as well as authenticated live streaming of conference affairs, including its flagship men’s basketball action, that air on Fox Sports networks.

The service will launch on Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. (ET) with a women’s soccer match between Georgetown and DePaul.

As the rights-holder to the conference’s men’s basketball games, most contests are set to air on either Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Fox regional network or the Fox broadcast network and would be accessible to authenticated video subscribers. FoxSportsGo currently has deals in place with various providers reaching some 50 million subscribers.

The Big East Digital Network will supplement TV coverage with shoulder programming and news, as well as air additional athletic events, highlighted by select regular-season women’s hoops action, as well as the opening- and quarterfinal rounds of the distaff basketball tournament in Chicago, and championship games for the conference’s Olympic sports. That fare is open to all users via FoxSportsGO, and does not require a video subscription.

“The conference is proud to team with Fox Sports to introduce the Big East Digital Network,” said commissioner Val Ackerman. “While fans of the conference will be able to see all of our men’s basketball games on television, the Big East Digital Network will allow easy access to other programming valued by our schools, including women’s basketball and Olympic sports competitions and features.”

Noted Clark Pierce, Fox Sports senior vice president of mobile and advanced Platforms: “The Big East Digital Network is an excellent addition to the FoxSportsGO portfolio. We’re proud that we’ll have the opportunity to showcase these great events and make them accessible to fans and supporters at home or on-the-go.”

Select content will also be available on bigeast.com, including historical conference games on demand, with highlight footage and original programming to be unveiled at a later date.

Specific dates and additional details of featured match-ups, including regular season games and championship contests, will be released as game schedules are finalized.