Sports is a clear-cut opportunity for the second screen, and we’re starting to see the verticalization of iPad apps across leagues, sports channels and now conferences. The Big Ten Network, which says it’s “the most widely distributed authenticated sports television product in the marketplace,” has launched an iPhone and iPad app with live streaming.
As is becoming customary, the app requires authentication to access the games — you have to be a subscriber to the Big Ten Networks channel via Bright House Networks, Charter, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish Network or Time Warner Cable. Not only live games, but the app offers 40 football games and 100 basketball match-ups from the archives, as well.
While the app is very slick as a video-viewing experience — it also includes live scores, full schedule and notifications — it doesn’t integrate any co-viewing features like social conversations, real-time stats or game programs. It would be great to boot up the app during a live game and have a “watching live” option next to the “watch live” button for a full second-screen experience, dramatically expanding the app’s weekly potential audience.