The Big Ten Conference is considering starting its own cable-television network, according to the Associated Press.

The league’s TV deal with ABC and ESPN runs through the 2006-7 academic year, and it has been negotiating with the networks to renew the arrangement. Several other cable-TV networks, including College Sports Television, have expressed interest in the Big Ten’s rights (The Chronicle, March 3).

This fall the Mountain West Conference will become the first league to have its own regional TV channel. CSTV is creating the network, which will broadcast Mountain West games in 14 sports, as well as news and commentary about member colleges.