The Big Ten Network is a regional sports network in the United States launched on August 30, 2007. The network is a joint project of the Big Ten Conference, a collegiate athletic conference, and Fox Cable Networks (a division of News Corporation) and is a regional channel devoted to Big Ten athletic and academic programs. It is headquartered in the former Montgomery Ward & Co. catalog building at 600 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago, Illinois. The Big Ten Network represents a 20-year partnership between the Big Ten and Fox Cable Networks. The Big Ten Network is majority-owned (51%) by the Big Ten Conference, with Fox Cable Networks holding a minority interest (49%). Fox will handle the administration and daily operations of the channel. The conference officially announced the formation of the network on June 21, 2006.
