ACC Network is finally here
By: Gavin Oliver July 21, 2016

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It finally became official Thursday.

ESPN and the Atlantic Coast Conference will launch the ACC Network, a comprehensive linear and digital network, beginning in 2019. ACC commissioner John Swofford and ESPN president John Skipper announced the partnership Thursday at the conference’s annual ACC Football Kickoff media event.

The 20-year partnership will provide more access than ever to live ACC events via a comprehensive, multi-platform network. More than 1,300 events will be distributed across the platforms when the network launches.

In addition, beginning in August 2016, fans can access more than 600 live events from the ACC via a digital live-events channel called ‘ACC Network Extra’, which will be immediately available to users on ESPN3 through WatchESPN and the ESPN app.

“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,” Swofford said. “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.”

The partnership also provides for the extension of the conference’s existing rights agreement with ESPN to 2036. It was supported unanimously by the ACC presidents.

The ACC Network will feature 450 exclusive live events, including 40 regular-season football games, more than 150 men’s and women’s basketball games, and more than 200 other regular-season contests and tournament games from across the conference’s 27 sponsored sports. News and information shows and original programming will also be available.

“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,” Skipper said. “We are proud and excited to add the ACC Network to our industry-leading college content offerings.”