BTN, Dish finally reach deal

The Big Ten Network and Dish Network ended a month-long impasse and reached a deal early Saturday morning that immediately returns BTN to the satellite provider's channel lineup.

"We're pleased that both sides could eventually come together, and we thank fans for their patience," the BTN announced in a statement.

Dish began carrying BTN within a week of its 2007 debut. Their initial five-year agreement ended on Aug. 31, and the sides twice reached temporary, week-long deals to keep BTN on Dish.

Last week, negotiations stalled and BTN was yanked from Dish, which kept local Dish subscribers from watching the Iowa-Northern Iowa game. The deal fully restores BTN to Dish's lineup.

BTN carries seven games today, including Iowa's non-conference finale against Central Michigan (11 a.m.).