BTN Communications, August 1, 2022

The Big Ten Network and Volleyball World, today announced a groundbreaking, multi-year distribution partnership that will enhance the promotion and coverage of the nation's foremost volleyball conference across the globe. As part of the agreement, 70+ Big Ten volleyball matches will appear on VolleyballWorld.tv.

VolleyballWorld.tv will offer its subscribers the following content from Big Ten Network:

  • Live streaming of nearly 50 televised Big Ten Network volleyball matches outside of North America and certain Caribbean islands
  • Access to 28 matches from B1G+ inventory - those matches will also air concurrently on B1G+
  • "At The Net," the Big Ten Network's multiplatform, behind-the-scenes look at the personalities and programs across the conference, will be made available on Volleyballworld.tv

"Volleyball World's emerging platform provides an excellent opportunity to deliver elite-level volleyball content to new and existing fans," said Michael Calderon, Senior Vice President, Programming and Digital Media at BTN. "Since launching last year, Volleyball World has established itself as the premier destination for the international volleyball community and we are excited for the role Big Ten volleyball can play in the growth of the game."

Minnesota Volleyball Coach and New Zealand native Hugh McCutcheon shared his thoughts on the new partnership.

"As a current coach in the Big Ten and the former President of the FIVB Technical and Coaching Commission, I could not be more excited about this incredibly important collaboration," said McCutcheon. "The Big Ten Network and Volleyball World understand the importance of growing our game and, to that end, providing volleyball fans from around the world the opportunity to watch B1G volleyball on this global platform is truly phenomenal."

Launched in February of 2021, Volleyball World is a partnership between the FIVB and the CVC Capital Partners aimed at driving growth, innovation, and investment in volleyball around the globe. Volleyball World's goal is to create an integrated ecosystem connecting all volleyball stakeholders together through both digital and live events.

Finn Taylor, Volleyball World CEO, said: "Our partnership with the Big Ten Network represents a next step in our continued mission of connecting volleyball fans in the US and around the world to the sport they love."

"The Big Ten Conference is the most competitive volleyball competition in North America and we are excited to bring these matches to fans each week. Adding Big Ten matches to our rapidly growing portfolio of the world's best volleyball, shows our continued commitment to growing the visibility of the sport and giving our audience a unique opportunity to watch the stars of the future develop in front millions watching on Volleyball World."

The complete schedule of events on the Big Ten Network, B1G+ and VolleyballWorld.tv will be announced in due course.

About Volleyball World

Volleyball World is a new partnership between the FIVB and the CVC Capital Partners aimed at driving growth, innovation, and investment in volleyball around the globe. Its goal is to create an integrated ecosystem connecting all volleyball stakeholders (fans, athletes, corporate partners) together through both digital and live events.  Volleyball World is responsible for the commercial operation of key volleyball and beach volleyball international events, including: the World Championships, Volleyball Nations League, Olympic Qualifiers and Beach Pro Tour.

About The Big Ten Network

A joint venture between the Big Ten Conference and Fox Networks, Big Ten Network is the first internationally distributed network dedicated to covering one of the premier collegiate conferences in the country. With more than 1,700 events across all platforms, the 24/7 network is the ultimate destination for Big Ten fans and alumni across the country, allowing them to see their favorite teams, regardless of where they live. The Fox Sports App is the digital extension of the Big Ten Network, delivering live games and on-demand programming to Big Ten Network customers via the web, smartphones, and tablets. Network events include football, men's and women's basketball games, dozens of Big Ten Olympic sports and championship events, studio shows and classic games. B1G+ is the subscription streaming service for thousands of live non-televised games, next day on-demand archives, 14 school channels programmed 24 hours a day and access to Big Ten Network's library of previous season classics and original programming. Original programming highlights activities and accomplishments of some of the nation's finest universities, including the Emmy-nominated The Journey. The network is carried by all the major video distributors across the United State and Canada, such as DIRECTV, DISH, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Xfinity, Altice USA, Cox Contour TV, Mediacom, RCN, WOW!, and approximately 300 additional video providers across North America. Big Ten Network is also available through the majority of streaming providers, including DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Vidgo and YouTube TV. For additional information, please visit www.btn.com.