The Big West today announced the launch of Big West International, a significant expansion of the conference's media distribution that gives fans outside the United States access to live and on-demand competition throughout the 2026-27 season. 

The new platform extends The Big West's reach from a national audience to an international one. Big West institutions now may designate any event they produce for ESPN+ for international distribution, creating the potential for more than 1,200 events annually across the conference's broad-based sports program to be available to viewers around the world. 

In the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America, selected events carried on ESPN+ in the United States will be available through Disney+ International. In all other international territories, selected live and on-demand events will be available through SIDEARM Sports at BigWest.org/Watch. 

The international reach is especially meaningful for The Big West's many student-athletes from outside the United States, providing their families, friends and communities at home with more opportunities to watch them compete. It also gives member institutions a broader platform to showcase their programs and connect with alumni and fans worldwide. 

“This is an important step forward for The Big West and our member institutions,” Commissioner Dan Butterly said. “We have built one of the most extensive digital production operations in college athletics, growing from approximately 60 events in 2020-21 to more than 1,200 annually in each of the past four years. Big West International now allows our institutions to bring that competition to a worldwide audience.” 

“For our international student-athletes, this provides something even more meaningful: greater access for the people who supported them long before they arrived on our campuses,” Butterly continued. “Their families and friends can watch them compete, while fans and alumni around the world have a new way to follow their institutions and connect with The Big West.” 

Total viewership of Big West broadcasts has increased by more than 35 percent since 2021, reflecting growing audience demand as the conference has expanded its ESPN+ inventory. The launch of Big West International builds upon that growth by making selected broadcasts accessible beyond the United States. 

Participating member institutions determine which sports and events are included in Big West International. Availability therefore may vary by institution and sport. 

Fans outside the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America may subscribe at BigWest.org/Watch for $129.99 annually, $12.99 per month or $6.99 for a single day (24 hours). Annual and monthly subscriptions renew automatically. Selected events are available now with the first live competition in the 2026-27 season starting tonight.