Lisa Bluder, a former Iowa women’s basketball coach, has joined the Big Ten Network staff. Lisa Bluder is switching to a broadcasting seat from her courtside seat. For the 2025–2026 season, the renowned former Iowa women’s basketball coach, who retired earlier this year after an incredible 24-year tenure as the Hawkeyes’ head coach, will join the Big Ten Network as a studio analyst.
For a woman who has accomplished everything in the world of collegiate basketball, it’s a new chapter. Bluder is one of the most respected voices in the game, having developed players like Caitlin Clark and led Iowa to consecutive trips to the national championship game. Now, from behind the desk rather than the bench, fans will be able to hear that voice analyze plays, strategies, and plotlines throughout the Big Ten.
In a statement issued by BTN, Bluder stated, “I’m excited for this next opportunity.” For many years, basketball has been my life, and I’m excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport with basketball fans in a fresh way. I’m thrilled to be near some of the top women’s basketball teams in the nation, which are in the Big Ten.
Bluder’s appearance on BTN is a huge win for women’s basketball in general as well as the network. Her name is significant because it is linked to achievement, honesty, and creativity. She became the most successful coach in Iowa history, accumulated over 850 career victories, and transformed the Hawkeyes into a national force.
Her ability to relate to both players and fans should translate easily to television. Bluder speaks the game with passion and accuracy, as anyone who has ever attended one of her press conferences can attest to. She is the type of communicator who can simplify even the most difficult basketball concepts because she is both analytical and relatable.
Mike Hall, the coordinating producer for BTN, stated, “She’s the ideal fit for our coverage.” In addition to being a top-tier coach, Lisa is familiar with the rivalries, culture, and personalities that define Big Ten basketball. Her joining the team makes us very happy.
Bluder’s announcement of retirement in May signaled the end of an era for Iowa fans, who will remember the memories of her celebrating in the locker room, hugging players after big wins, and smiling proudly on senior nights. Bluder had spent nearly a quarter century shaping the Hawkeyes into a consistent force and taking the program to heights few could have imagined.
She will now share that same passion with a wider audience, providing perspectives on Iowa and the conference as a whole. She will likely draw attention to the little things that most fans overlook, like defensive rotations, off-ball movement, and coaching changes that subtly affect how a game unfolds.
Bluder is part of an increasing number of former players and coaches who are transitioning to broadcasting, a trend that benefits both fans and networks. You can’t replicate the viewpoint of real voices who have played the game. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for Bluder to keep improving the sport that she has spent decades elevating.
She will undoubtedly excel in her new position. Lisa Bluder has never been one to remain motionless or quietly move away, after all. She always finds a way to improve the game, whether it’s by sketching out a game-winning play or explaining it on television.
She will now continue to do so, one broadcast at a time.
