ESPN and ACC announce launch of TV network
The ACC Network is officially a go.
ESPN and the conference announced the launch of the television network Thursday. “ACC Network Extra” will launch in the fall via streaming while a television network will be in existence by 2019.
“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,” ESPN president John Skipper said in a statement.
The release said 40 ACC football games will be televised on the network after its launch, similar to the broadcast offerings on the Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC Networks. It will also televise 150 basketball games and “more than 200 other” sports contests.
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As part of the agreement with ESPN, the conference also extended its grant-of-rights with ESPN through 2036. As noted when the deal was first reported earlier in the week, if Notre Dame wants to join a conference in football, it must join the ACC.
The addition of the network will boost the revenues of the ACC. Yes, money was a driving factor in the formation of this partnership.
“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,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a statement. “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.”
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
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