Update: Comcast, Big Ten Finalize Deal

OK, so it's finally done.

After months of unnecessarily drawn-out negotiations, the Big Ten and Comcast have finally come to an agreement on distribution of the Big Ten Network.

The deal, under which Comcast will begin carrying the network starting Aug. 15, is a massive coup for the Big Ten and will likely give the conference the upper hand in negotiations with the other major cable companies its been battling, including including Time Warner and Mediacom.

The deal also figures to lead other conferences -- the SEC especially -- to create their own networks, which are bound to create long-term profits, even if they temporarily leave fans out in the cold.

In short, it's a brave new world in college sports. And before you know it, we're all going to have not only the Big Ten Network on our expanded basic cable setups, but also the SEC Network, PAC-10 Network and -- gasp! -- possibly even a Big East Network.

Cable companies may not like it, but as fans, we certainly should. So let the gold rush begin.