The Big Sky Conference has signed a multi-year contract with B2 Networks to serve as the new distributor of Big Sky TV the league and B2 announced in a joint statement Wednesday.

Big Sky TV, the league’s comprehensive video streaming package, is entering its fourth season of operation.  Big Sky TV (www.bigskytv.org) video streams all football, volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball games played in Big Sky venues. For the second straight season, the service will be free to viewers. Fans can begin to create an account beginning Friday at 7:20 p.m. Mountain, prior to the first streamed event.

“The Big Sky Conference is excited to begin this partnership with B2 Networks, a company we feel can take Big Sky TV to the next level,’’ said Big Sky Conference associate commissioner Ron Loghry. “With B2, the Big Sky is aligning itself with a company experienced in the demands of sports video streaming. Our fans will not only appreciate the fact that Big Sky TV is once again free, but that B2 will strive to make their viewing experience better.”

B2 Networks (www.b2TV.com) was established in 2003 and has proven to be a worldwide leader in the emerging media of broadband broadcasting. The company video-streamed more than 12,000 events in 2008 and averages more than 800 hours of live sporting events per week. B2 Networks broadcasts a larger selection of live sports than any other TV, satellite or cable network, and is a leader in innovative global direct to home, mobile and television broadcasting. B2 Network’s content partners include more than 10 professional leagues and more than 100 NCAA partners with more than 500 collegiate teams.

“B2 Networks is honored and excited to partner with the Big Sky to broadcast its athletic events to fans around the world,’’ said Bruce LeVine, B2 Networks’ senior vice president. “Big Sky supporters will enjoy the added consistency, quality and services the new partnership will make available. B2 looks forward to this next step forward in our company’s progression into the world of NCAA sports.”

Big Sky TV brings more than 400 live events to viewers around the world each season. In 2009, more than 20,000 fans registered to view Big Sky TV events. Since its inception in the fall of 2006, Big Sky TV has produced more than 1,200 games and press conferences, including Football Championship Subdivision playoff games, as well as Big Sky volleyball, soccer, track and field and basketball championships.

B2 Networks offers around-the-clock costumer support, as well as detailed instructions and frequently asked questions at www.b2support.com.

B2 Networks will also make selected games available for replay viewing on www.b2cabletv.com on the Big Sky channel or individual school networks.

Fans will also be able to electronically download games for their own personal use at a cost of $19.95 per event. Fans will also have the option to receive a DVD copy of events.

The first event of the 2009 campaign is Friday, Aug. 28, with Weber State playing host to Utah State in volleyball at 7:30 p.m. (MT).

Football makes its 2009 debut on Big Sky TV on Saturday, Sept. 5, with two afternoon games. Eastern Washington battles Western Oregon at 12:05 p.m. (PT). Montana takes on Western State at 1 p.m. (MT).