The Big Ten Network's DirecTV deal, for instance, will put it on one of the satellite carrier's packages that doesn't require most customers to pay extra.

Beyond the eight states where Big Ten schools play — Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — Silverman hopes to negotiate deals that will allow viewers to see the network on nothing more expensive than second-tier programming packages, those just above the basic level.

Comcast Cable spokeswoman Jennifer Khoury declined to discuss talks with the Big Ten Network in detail.

"It's very early in our discussions, but we are talking and we will continue to do so," she said.

A spokesman for Echostar Communications Corporation, DISH Network's owner, did not return a call.

The new network also is expected to be a revenue generator for the conference's schools, paying each $7.5 million a year.