You’re staring at the remote. The game starts in five minutes. You just want to know one thing: what channel is BTN on DISH? Let’s get the fast answer out of the way before the kickoff. On DISH Network, you can find the Big Ten Network (BTN) on channel 410. If you’re looking for the alternate feeds—those extra channels they use when three different games are happening at the same time—those usually live around channel 405 or in the 588–591 range.
Honestly, there’s nothing worse than scrolling through a thousand channels while your team is already lining up for the first snap. But just knowing the number isn't always enough. Sometimes you click over to 410 and see a "not authorized" message, which is a total mood killer.
The Channel Breakdown: 410 vs. 405
Basically, channel 410 is your home base. This is where the primary broadcast lives, including the big-ticket Saturday football games, marquee basketball matchups, and original programming like The Journey.
But here’s the thing: the Big Ten is huge now. With the addition of teams like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, there is simply too much sports for one channel to hold. That’s where the overflow channels come in.
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- Primary HD Feed: Channel 410
- Secondary/Analysis Feed: Channel 405
- Alternate Game Feeds: 588, 589, 590, 591
If you have a Hopper DVR, these alternates often show up automatically in your guide when a live event is scheduled. If you're using an older receiver, you might have to hunt for them in the 500s.
Wait, Do I Actually Have BTN in My Package?
DISH doesn't just give BTN to everyone. If you’re on the "America’s Top 120" plan (the base level), you’re probably going to be disappointed. That package is great for basic cable, but it usually misses out on the conference-specific sports networks.
To get BTN, you typically need to be on America’s Top 120 Plus or higher. Note that "Plus" in the name—it’s a small distinction that makes a massive difference on gameday.
- America’s Top 120 Plus: This is the "sweet spot" for sports fans. It includes BTN, SEC Network, and often several regional sports networks.
- America’s Top 200: Includes everything in the 120 Plus, adding more specialized sports and entertainment.
- America’s Top 250: The "kitchen sink" package. If it’s on DISH, it’s in here.
- Multi-Sport Pack: If you have a lower-tier package, you can sometimes add the Multi-Sport Pack as a standalone add-on for about $13 a month. This is a lifesaver if you don’t want to upgrade your entire base plan just for one channel.
Why the Big Ten Network is Different in 2026
The landscape of college sports has shifted under our feet. It’s not just about Midwestern teams anymore. Because the Big Ten now spans from New Jersey to Southern California, the scheduling is wild. You might find a "home game" starting at 9:00 PM Eastern because it's being played in Seattle.
Because of this coast-to-coast reach, DISH has had to be more diligent about those alternate feeds. If you’re a fan of a West Coast school that recently joined the Big Ten, you’ll likely spend a lot of time on those 500-level channels when the "main" channel 410 is focusing on an Ohio State or Michigan game.
Troubleshooting: Why Can't I See Channel 410?
If you're looking at your guide and 410 is just... missing, or it’s grayed out, a few things could be happening.
First, check your Guide Settings. Sometimes people accidentally set their guide to "Subscribed Channels" or "HD Only," and for some weird reason, a specific channel gets filtered out. Toggle it to "All Channels" and see if it reappears.
Second, if you see the channel but get a "Signal Loss" error (often the dreaded Error 002 or 015), that’s a hardware or weather issue. Satellite TV is famously reliable, but a heavy snowstorm or a loose coax cable can knock out specific transponders. Since BTN is an HD-heavy channel, it requires a strong, stable lock on the satellite.
Streaming BTN as a DISH Customer
You aren't tethered to your living room. One of the best perks of having BTN through DISH is that your satellite credentials work on the Fox Sports app and the BTN+ app.
If you're at a tailgate and want to watch the pregame show, just download the Fox Sports app, select DISH as your provider, and log in with your DISH ID and password. This gives you the same live stream you’d get at home.
A Quick Warning on BTN+: Be careful here. BTN+ is a separate subscription service for "non-televised" events. If a game is airing on the main BTN channel (410), it usually won't be live on the BTN+ app unless you have that specific separate subscription. Stick to the Fox Sports app for the televised games.
Summary of Actionable Steps
If you're trying to get ready for the season, don't wait until Saturday morning to figure this out.
- Verify your package: Log into your DISH account online or via the app and make sure you see "America’s Top 120 Plus" or higher listed.
- Check the guide now: Tune to channel 410 today. If you see the "Call 1-800 to Upgrade" screen, you know you need to make a move before the game.
- Set your favorites: Add 410, 405, and the 588–591 range to your "Favorites" list in the Hopper settings. It saves you from scrolling past the shopping channels when every second counts.
- Download the Fox Sports app: Get it on your phone or tablet and do a "test login" today. You don't want to be resetting your password while your team is in the red zone.
By getting these few things squared away, you can stop worrying about the tech and start worrying about the fourth-down conversions. Channel 410 is the destination; just make sure you have the right ticket to get in.