Big Ten to create own television channel

The Big Ten announced on Wednesday it plans on launching is own network to carry smaller sports in addition to renewing its contract with ABC/ESPN for 10 years.

"This is the first effort to launch a national collegiate sports network," Big Ten Commissioner James Delany said. The channel will be based in Chicago and will launch in 2007.

DirecTV has signed on to carry the channel when it launches. However, negotiations are underway to get the channel through most cable providers. The new channel will air weaker football and basketball games. In addition is will carry several non-revenue sports such as hockey, wrestling, and swimming.

ABC will air up to 17 football games a year and ESPN up to 25. The channels will also air men's and Women's basketball games.