While all the focus has been on the Big Ten Network's fight with Comcast, local WOW cable subscribers should know they won't be getting the network to start the season, either.

"Discussions are still ongoing," WOW senior vice-president and general manager Mark Dineen said Tuesday. "The root of the issue is we are attempting to negotiate a deal that's fair and equitable to all customers that would allow it in our digital tier."

Much like Comcast, which wants to place the channel in a pay-for package of sports programming, WOW is resisting the network's attempts to include the channel as part of its basic programming. BTN has come off its price of $1.10 per household throughout the Midwest, but for good business reasons the network won't yet budge on its level of carriage.

Discussion between BTN and WOW seem more amicable than those with Comcast, and placing the channel on a digital tier is more acceptable than forcing customers to pay additional for a sports package. But if you're a WOW subscriber the only way you'll be able to see Michigan's season-opener against Appalachian State or Michigan State's Week 2 game with Bowling Green is to head to your local watering hole or change providers.