If you are anything like many folks in Cyclone Nation, I’m sure you’re wondering on this Tuesday afternoon why the heck the Cyclones will be playing one of their archrivals on the hardwood on some internet contraption called ESPN+ on Wednesday and how the heck does one watch ESPN+?
Well, you are in luck because I am here to explain, No. 1, why Iowa State is playing one of the biggest games of its basketball schedule on ESPN+, No. 2, how you can watch ESPN+ and, to make it even better, how you can benefit Cyclone Fanatic while doing it.
Why will Iowa State and Kansas be playing on ESPN+?
Back in April, the Big 12 announced an expanded partnership with ESPN that included eight of the league’s 10 teams playing one regular-season football game as well as men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and volleyball on the network’s ESPN+ platform.
Now, Iowa State somewhat avoided being part of the initial rollout of this expanded partnership due to an existing contract with Mediacom and Cyclones.tv running through this year, which is why non-conference basketball games remained on that platform this season, but they too will move to ESPN+ next season.
The answer to why it was announced Iowa State and Kansas will play this game on the platform when the season’s TV schedule was released last fall is really pretty simple. Iowa State and Kansas has been one of the league’s marquee matchups during the past decade.
Pitting those teams against each other as a centerpiece for the conference’s new media partnership will create organic interest that will hopefully drive new subscribers to the platform. Iowa State and Kansas basketball both have large fanbases themselves and it is, usually, a game that generates some national interest.
This was a perfect way for ESPN and the Big 12 to make a statement about their new partnership and the future of the two entities making deals together. ESPN+ is here to stay so might as well jump on the ship now.
How to watch ESPN+
The first order of business will be going to this link right here where you can sign up for ESPN+ on a month-to-month basis for $4.99 per month or you can sign up for a full year for $49.99. The added benefit of going to that link is Cyclone Fanatic will get a referral bonus for each new subscriber we drive, so while you’re finding a way to watch your ‘Clones, you’re also helping pay CW and my salaries. Not sure you could ask for a better trade-off.
I know for some that $4.99 a month might be a lot to watch, at this point, less than a handful of Iowa State basketball games (they’ll play two more on the platform later this month and once in February), but you will also have access to a lot of original ESPN content (like the Kansas football show Miles to Go which I promise brings some of the best-unintended comedy I’ve ever seen in what is meant to be a serious show), the entire 30 for 30 library and other exclusive sporting events in leagues like the UFC, NBA G-League (for watching all the former Cyclones in the pro ranks), MLB and more.
So, in conclusion, not only do you get Cyclones vs. Jayhawks but you get to make fun of Kansas football, watch phenomenal sports documentaries, help out Cyclone Fanatic and get access to countless exclusive sporting events. I’m not sure the deal can get much better.
