Comcast, Fox reach accord on Big Ten Network in time for college football

Penn State football fans can watch Nittany Lions and other Big Ten games on Xfinity this year, without having to worry that the 24-hour college sports network will go dark.

Comcast Corp., the nation's biggest cable company, and the Fox Networks Group have reached a new carriage deal. The existing one expires on Friday.

According to the companies, the Big Ten Network will be broadly available in all states with Big Ten teams, which include Pennsylvania (Penn State) and New Jersey (Rutgers).

Reversing its earlier decision, Comcast also will make available the Big Ten Network on an extra-charge sports package in states — such as those in the West and South — without Big Ten colleges. These packages cost $10 a month.

Earlier this year, Comcast cancelled the option for Xfinity customers outside of Big Ten's home turf to watch the games on the sports package. Comcast says it will make the Big Ten Network available in the "coming months" in those states outside the Big Ten as part of the $10-a-month sports package.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with Comcast, ensuring that Xfinity customers everywhere will have access to Big Ten action on BTN and FS1," Fox Networks Group said in a statement. FS1 is a 24-hour sports network also owned by Fox Networks.

Penn State's first game is against the Appalachian State on Saturday in Happy Valley, Pa. Rutgers' first game also will be played Saturday, against Texas State, in Piscataway, N.J.