Advertisement

ACC Network Set to Launch in 2019

ACC Network Set to Launch in 2019
Advertisement
By Louisville Athletics
Jul. 21, 2016 | CHARLOTTE, NC
By Louisville Athletics Jul. 21, 2016 | 10:01 PM | CHARLOTTE, NC
ESPN and the Atlantic Coast Conference will launch the ACC Network – a comprehensive linear and digital network, it was announced today by ACC Commissioner John Swofford and ESPN President John Skipper at the conference's annual Football Kickoff media event in Charlotte, N.C. The 20-year partnership will provide ACC fans unprecedented access to live events via a comprehensive, multi-platform network. It also provides for the extension of the conference's existing rights agreement with ESPN to 2036. ESPN is the ACC's exclusive worldwide rights holder.

Beginning in August 2016, fans can access more than 600 exclusive live events from across the conference via a digital live-events channel 'ACC Network Extra', immediately available to users who have access to ESPN3 via WatchESPN and the ESPN app, with that number growing each year.  More than 1,300 ACC events will be distributed across the platforms in 2019 when the linear network launches.

The linear network will feature 450 exclusive live events including 40 regular-season football games, more than 150 men's and women's basketball games, more than 200 other regular-season contests and tournament games from across the conference's 27-sponsored sports, plus a complement of news and information shows and original programming. ESPN has been televising ACC content since 1979 and has exclusive rights to every conference-controlled football and men's basketball game, plus women's basketball and conference sports matchups, as well as all ACC championship events.

"We look forward to working with our longtime partners at the ACC to create a network that reflects the depth and quality of its athletes and teams, and serves the fans who passionately support them. We are proud and excited to add the ACC Network to our industry-leading college content offerings," said John Skipper, ESPN President.

"On behalf of the ACC Council of Presidents, Faculty Athletics Representatives and our ACC Television Committee, we are tremendously pleased to further enhance our long-term partnership with ESPN that includes the creation of the ACC Network and ACC Network Extra, and positions the conference for the long-term future," said ACC Commissioner John Swofford. "This partnership continues to be a win-win for ESPN and the ACC. ESPN is the premier provider in sports content and this agreement will deliver unprecedented coverage to our fans, while highlighting our quality student-athletes, coaches and institutions."
Additional details about the network will be announced in the coming months.

 "There has been an abundance of hard work invested in this venture, particularly from Commissioner John Swofford," said Tom Jurich, UofL Vice President and Director of Athletics.  "We have worked closely with ESPN so we may plan to successfully launch this platform and have the network flourish.  This is a terrific next step in the branding of the ACC and Cardinal Athletics.  We look forward to working with the ACC and our television partner to develop exciting ACC programming for fans everywhere."

"It's very exciting that we'll see more female athletes regularly on national television and have an opportunity for our fan base to grow," said Anne Korde, UofL Volleyball Coach.  "It changes the game in recruiting.  You want to sell your program and culture.  Those aren't always things that you can write on a note card and send in the mail.  You want kids to see you play and see what your program is like.  This network opens up more opportunities for people to see us play.  For example, I want a little girl from Hawaii to become a Louisville volleyball fan and grow up loving the way we play and how competitive we are."

"Tom Jurich has always set the bar high on what we can do for the student-athlete at UofL," said Dan McDonnell, UofL Baseball Coach. "Anything we can do to make it better for the student-athlete by talking about them, their families and hometowns on television, and have the opportunity to see them play on TV, laptops, cell phones at any time is a great opportunity.  It allows us to recruit better student-athletes and compete at the highest level.  It will be great exposure and help our brand.  Having that Cardinal logo on TV more can only help."

"The ACC Network will be a great addition to our league and it enhances the visibility of our institution," said Bobby Petrino, UofL Football Coach.  "It will bring added exposure to our football program and also will be beneficial to all of our other outstanding programs at UofL."

"Having an ACC Network will not only enhance our earning power, but will take the visibility for the nation's strongest basketball conference to greater heights," said UofL Men's Basketball Coach Rick Pitino.

 

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT