MU new conference and TV

[M@RQUETTEW@RRIORS]

I simply can not wait for the new conference to start and for it to have a new TV deal.  I am SOOOOOOO tired of the current TV situation with MU basketball.  I live on the outer edges of South Eastern Wisconsin have had season tickets in the past when I lived closer.  But as it stands I can almost NEVER see an MU game.  TW32 and the BEN can go blow...

[LloydMooresLegs]

Excited about the new conference as well, but TV/computer access has been great this year.  We live in the Chicago area with Comcast/Infinity, and I don't think that I have missed a game this year (ESPN, ESPNU and ESPN3).

[CTWarrior]

Wow, I live in Connecticut and I love the current TV situation.  Other than some of the lower level buy games, all but a very few of the MU games are shown here.  Between all the cable sports channels, I probably get to see 80 - 90 % of the regular season games each year, and many in person.  When you consider I was lucky to get 8 or 10 games/year when we were in CUSA, that is tremendous.  I doubt I'll be so lucky in the new league.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Wow, I live in Connecticut and I love the current TV situation.  Other than some of the lower level buy games, all but a very few of the MU games are shown here.  Between all the cable sports channels, I probably get to see 80 - 90 % of the regular season games each year, and many in person.  When you consider I was lucky to get 8 or 10 games/year when we were in CUSA, that is tremendous.  I doubt I'll be so lucky in the new league.

+1!

[GGGG]

The problem, as I understand it, is if you live *near* Milwaukee and don't have Time Warner and access to TW32, that it is blacked out on stations like SNY....and ESPN3.

[MUMonster03]

My question is what will happen with the non conference games under Fox? Currently a lot of those were carried by ESPN3 or on gameplan. Does Fox get the rights to those games as well? And if so do they have any plans to have some form of online streaming for them. Hopefully MASN keeps ties with the new conference because we get a lot of games on there in the DC area.

[M@RQUETTEW@RRIORS]

Excited about the new conference as well, but TV/computer access has been great this year.  We live in the Chicago area with Comcast/Infinity, and I don't think that I have missed a game this year (ESPN, ESPNU and ESPN3).

Except if you cant get the right internet provider none of the internet stuff is available.  Even if you want to pay.  And very few games are on ESPN.  ESPN3 is not allowed with my provider and I cant get a provider that will allow me to get it.

[M@RQUETTEW@RRIORS]

The problem, as I understand it, is if you live *near* Milwaukee and don't have Time Warner and access to TW32, that it is blacked out on stations like SNY....and ESPN3.

You hit the nail on the head!  I live so much closer than the others that responded but yet an hours drive time to get to downtown if there is no traffic.  With young kids in school/sports its almost impossible to go right now.  I used to go to every home game before my kids were of sports age.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Time to renew my TV subscription and not sure to go with Dish, DirecTV, or Xfinity to get max games in C7.

[WarriorInNYC]

The problem, as I understand it, is if you live *near* Milwaukee and don't have Time Warner and access to TW32, that it is blacked out on stations like SNY....and ESPN3.

I live in DC and the problem I have is if the game does not make it on ESPNU or MASN (the local BEast Network affiliate), I can't find it on any other channels.  I then try to pull it up on ESPN3, but because I am in a BEast Network area, its blacked out on ESPN3. 

There are plenty of bars around that will end up showing the game, but it would be nice to be able to watch all of them from home

[jficke13]

Blackout rules, in all of their forms, are asinine.

[MUMonster03]

I live in DC and the problem I have is if the game does not make it on ESPNU or MASN (the local BEast Network affiliate), I can't find it on any other channels.  I then try to pull it up on ESPN3, but because I am in a BEast Network area, its blacked out on ESPN3. 

That is surprising. I haven't had that problem and have watched several games this year on ESPN3 that wern't on MASN or ESPNU.

[Litehouse]

The problem, as I understand it, is if you live *near* Milwaukee and don't have Time Warner and access to TW32, that it is blacked out on stations like SNY....and ESPN3.

Correct, I'm in Sheboygan and we're stuck with Charter instead of Time Warner, but we're still blacked out from the games on ESPN3, etc.  This might be more of a Time Warner issue overreaching on the their "territory" than Big East issue, but it sucks since I can't even get Time Warner if I wanted to.

[bradley center bat]

Just cause MU will be on Fox, I would think the non-conf. games will still be on TWC Sports32.

[WarriorInNYC]

That is surprising. I haven't had that problem and have watched several games this year on ESPN3 that wern't on MASN or ESPNU.

Were those non-conference games?  Because I have been able to watch those on ESPN3.  However, once conference play starts, the games start to get blacked out on ESPN3.

[mu_hilltopper]

I'll bet a box of doughnuts that the future of being able to watch MU games on TV/internets post-Big East is not as good as the present.  For most people.

[🏀]

I'll bet a box of doughnuts that the future of being able to watch MU games on TV/internets post-Big East is not as good as the present.  For most people.

This is my feeling as well unfortunately.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

The current TV situation is literally one of the best things about MU hoops. I haven't missed a game all year. If you have DirecTV, and pay a modest $12 a month, you literally get every single game.

It would be a HUGEEEEEE dissapointment if this does not continue with the new conference.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

I'll bet a box of doughnuts that the future of being able to watch MU games on TV/internets post-Big East is not as good as the present.  For most people.

You realize that with any modern tv and an hdmi cord that you can get online for $5, you can watch any Internet video on you TV set.

[MUMonster03]

Were those non-conference games?  Because I have been able to watch those on ESPN3.  However, once conference play starts, the games start to get blacked out on ESPN3.

They were non conference games. All the games so ar this year have been on ESPNU or MASN, tomorrows game is on MASN as well.

[chapman]

The current TV situation is literally one of the best things about MU hoops. I haven't missed a game all year. If you have DirecTV, and pay a modest $12 a month, you literally get every single game.

It would be a HUGEEEEEE dissapointment if this does not continue with the new conference.

Agree.  If it's exclusively Fox I hope between Fox, FS1, and the FSN-Regional networks they cover all games, which would still make it possible to watch every one regardless of where you live.  Not sure what else they could be showing on FSN-WI otherwise besides the Bucks, if they happen to be playing on the road and us at home or vice versa.

[muwarrior69]

They were non conference games. All the games so ar this year have been on ESPNU or MASN, tomorrows game is on MASN as well.

...and MSG on DirecTV.

[🏀]

You realize that with any modern tv and an hdmi cord that you can get online for $5, you can watch any Internet video on you TV set.

The issue that topper is eluding to is more related to the possibility of Fox not spending the cash to send cameras, production, on-air talent, etc. to Milwaukee for the Marquette v. SE Louisiana. ESPN has these resources already while Fox does not.

[TheTulsaWarrior]

I had ATT-Uverse out in Tulsa and with the sports packages I saw pretty much every game.  The program guide to find the right channel was the biggest challenge.  I had to hunt a lot.

Since moving to Eugene I have Comcast/Xfinity and that gives me access to most Marquette games so far on streaming video via the ESPN package.  When I head out to the coast for the weekend that makes things more portable than ever.

I'm hoping Fox buys the whole new conference's package -- conference and non-conference games.  Because of the trends for streaming video access most networks should have the games available.  I don't want to have to buy a Fox and ESPN package.

For now an HDMI cable to the TV gives me a way to pump the streamed games onto the big screen.

[Benny B]

I would have to say that Fox would at least attempt to put marquee OOC games on FS1.  Additionally, they would probably try to get most (or all) of the non-conference buy games (that conflicted with FS1 broadcasts) coverage on local FSN regionals; the problem is, FSN doesn't have any coverage between Ohio and New England.  In fact, Marquette is only one of two existing C7 members (Providence) with FSN coverage already in-market.  Incidentally, Butler, Xavier, SLU, Dayton, Creighton all have in-market FSN coverage as well.  VCU does not.

I'm not sure of the logistics, but if Fox Sports produced OOC games in Philly, DC and NY/NJ, then it would have to find a distribution outlet... this is where MASN and/or SNY might come in.

My guess is that the C7 already recognizes that maximizing exposure is the keystone to competing with other major conferences.  Additionally, since local producers (TW Sports) will probably get cut out of the equation altogether, blackouts will no longer be an issue in Eastern Wisconsin since FSN and FS1 are universally available in Wisconsin.  Based on these two factors alone, TV viewing should be no worse - and would likely be better for most - than it is now.

However, for those of us without cable/satellite, the question is what will be available online... I have no clue what Fox Sports has the capability to do.  Although, keep in mind that St. John's already has infrastructure in-place to stream their games in HD.  Do they have capacity to stream more games (either currently or with upgrades) if they received raw feeds for non-StJ games from FS?  Would each school have to invest in their own infrastructure?  How would subscriptions/fees be handled/split/shared?

In summary, 2013-14 Big East Basketball on TV = good.  On internet = unknown.

[Benny B]

The issue that topper is eluding to is more related to the possibility of Fox not spending the cash to send cameras, production, on-air talent, etc. to Milwaukee for the Marquette v. SE Louisiana. ESPN has these resources already while Fox does not.

Disagree.  Wholeheartedly.

Fox Sports has just as much (if not more) of a presence in Milwaukee currently than ESPN.  In fact, most of their equipment is already in the BC on every MU game day right now.

[M@RQUETTEW@RRIORS]

The current TV situation is literally one of the best things about MU hoops. I haven't missed a game all year. If you have DirecTV, and pay a modest $12 a month, you literally get every single game.

It would be a HUGEEEEEE dissapointment if this does not continue with the new conference.

Depends on where you live.  From my standpoint its absolutely the WORST TV situation there can possibly be.  The situation that I am in there have literally been 2 games I can watch unless I want to break the law.

[MUMonster03]

It will definitely be interesting to see how it shakes out because MASN has ESPN News broadcasting on their channels sometimes as well. I believe MASN will want to keep the Big East/C7 since it is one of their staple non baseball season programming. As I mentioned earlier we are getting MU versus Seton Hall tomorrow on MASN just because it is a Big East game, it essentially serves as ESPN3 on network TV for this area.

[🏀]

Disagree.  Wholeheartedly.

Fox Sports has just as much (if not more) of a presence in Milwaukee currently than ESPN.  In fact, most of their equipment is already in the BC on every MU game day right now.

You are correct, poor example on my part, I forgot Milwaukee is serviced by FSWisconsin. However, Fox Sports will also need to service every other team in the conference as well. That is a lot of resources to have sitting in Omaha, Chicago, Richmond, DC, Philly, Providence, New Jersey and New York (being areas not currently covered by a regional Fox Sports)

However, they will have Milwaukee, St. Louis, Indy and Ohio covered.

[🏀]

If Fox Sports does cover all the OOC games, maybe they'll pick up Jim McIlvaine for broadcasting.

[🏀]

And we can all agree, one huge positive about moving away from ESPN is no more Len Elmore.

[jficke13]

And we can all agree, one huge positive about moving away from ESPN is no more Len Elmore.

What do you mean? He's a junkyard dog out there. Nobody can spot a player from New York City quite like he can.

[TallTitan34]

And we can all agree, one huge positive about moving away from ESPN is no more Len Elmore.

Don't be so sure.  If we play in an ESPN televised pre-season tournement there's always the threat of Len.  

Plus I believe he did our round of 32 game against Syracuse a couple years back on CBS owned truTV.

[The Lens]

Let's remember that News Corp is probably leading media company in the world.  While we see ESPN3 every day due to ESPN's market advantage in the US, I doubt this is a forgotten piece to the puzzle for FOX.

Here is one of the their online soccer presences, very similar to ESPN:

http://www.foxsoccer2go.com/

[🏀]

Don't be so sure.  If we play in an ESPN televised pre-season tournement there's always the threat of Len.  

Plus I believe he did our round of 32 game against Syracuse a couple years back on CBS owned truTV.

[Benny B]

You are correct, poor example on my part, I forgot Milwaukee is serviced by FSWisconsin. However, Fox Sports will also need to service every other team in the conference as well. That is a lot of resources to have sitting in Omaha, Chicago, Richmond, DC, Philly, Providence, New Jersey and New York (being areas not currently covered by a regional Fox Sports)

However, they will have Milwaukee, St. Louis, Indy and Ohio covered.

Equipment is one issue; having a distribution outlet in that market is another.

But as for the equipment, it's all portable and Fox already has equipment "bases" in Chicago, Philly, DC, NY and NJ.  Even in outer-lying areas like Omaha, if you already have distribution (FSN Midwest) and people who are going to watch Jays basketball, Fox isn't going to care what it would to cost to send a semi-trailer up from Kansas City for a few hours.

Don't underestimate Fox Sports' resources.... they can go anywhere, anytime, and probably more economically than anyone else.  Don't forget that between MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL (not to mention, the BTN and all of the other college programming they already do down south and out west), Fox and its affiliates likely produce more original sports content than anybody else in the country... even ESPN.

[🏀]

Equipment is one issue; having a distribution outlet in that market is another.

But as for the equipment, it's all portable and Fox already has equipment "bases" in Chicago, Philly, DC, NY and NJ.  Even in outer-lying areas like Omaha, if you already have distribution (FSN Midwest) and people who are going to watch Jays basketball, Fox isn't going to care what it would to cost to send a semi-trailer up from Kansas City for a few hours.

Don't underestimate Fox Sports' resources.... they can go anywhere, anytime, and probably more economically than anyone else.  Don't forget that between MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL (not to mention, the BTN and all of the other college programming they already do down south and out west), Fox and its affiliates likely produce more original sports content than anybody else in the country... even ESPN.

+1. Well noted.

I defer to you as winner.

[JakeBarnes]

Blackout rules, in all of their forms, are asinine.

Agreed.  Back when I lived near the airport I would get blacked out of Cubs games on MLB.tv despite no access to Comcast Sports Net.  If I had lived 3 blocks over, I would have been out of the blackout area.  Also, ask Vegas how they feel about blackout rules for baseball.

[TallTitan34]

Don't underestimate Fox Sports' resources.... they can go anywhere, anytime, and probably more economically than anyone else.

Like the comical Paradise Jam last season.

[Benny B]

Like the comical Paradise Jam last season.

Sometimes when I say economically, I mean economically.

[kryza]

I also like that we can watch games on ESPN3 currently. But I'd almost guarantee that Fox will create a similar service. I currently watch soccer matches on foxsoccer2go.com. It's basically like ESPN3 but just for soccer. It works well and the quality is great.

They can easily add bball games to that service when they get rights to them.

The cable companies know that people want to stream stuff to their computers. They would be very dumb if they didn't go after that extra potential revenue...especially after spending a half a billion dollar of the rights to them.

[rocky_warrior]

Here is one of the their online soccer presences, very similar to ESPN:

http://www.foxsoccer2go.com/

I'm no soccer fan, so this is the first time I've looked at that site, and the best part it that they're marketing it to the CONSUMER and not trying to force the provider (Comcast, etc.) to pay extra money for it (ala ESPN3).  I think 90% of MU fans that want to see games would pay for ESPN3 if that option was available (the remaining 10% always being freeloaders), but ESPN would rather try to strong arm the providers.  If Fox keeps this model, every MU fan willing to pay for it could get the stream.  $20/month isn't bad for MU games, way less then I spend for a single visit to the bar

[marquette20]

Isn't espn3 free for any college student? This is a great idea since most of teh events on the site are college athletics so this brings up the question Would or could fox sports do that too

[mu_hilltopper]

You realize that with any modern tv and an hdmi cord that you can get online for $5, you can watch any Internet video on you TV set.

Uhhh .. yes.  I have a couple of HTPCs in my home.  What's your point?