A Strategic Extension for ACC Sports on The CW
The CW Network announced a multi-year sublicense agreement with ESPN that will keep ACC football and basketball on its broadcast schedule through the 2030-31 season. Under the deal, The CW will air 14 football games and a combined 40 basketball contests — 30 men’s and 10 women’s — each year, delivering the conference’s marquee matchups to a national audience.
Since the partnership’s debut in the 2023-24 season, ACC games have become some of the most-watched college sports on The CW. The network reported a 26 percent year over year increase in total viewers for ACC football broadcasts, and the 2025-26 season marked the highest ever audience for both men’s and women’s basketball on the platform.
The financial and cultural impact extends beyond ratings. The ACC, known for its storied programs and recent national championships across football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball, views the arrangement as a cornerstone of its growth strategy. Commissioner Jim Phillips highlighted the strong collaboration with Disney and ESPN, noting that the partnership amplifies the conference’s reach while preserving its competitive edge.
How Fans Will Watch
Games will be split between The CW’s traditional over-the-air signal and streaming on the ESPN App, where they will be available to subscribers of the ESPN Unlimited plan. This dual distribution gives viewers flexibility to tune in on a television set or on mobile devices, ensuring that the conference’s expanding fan base can follow every pivotal moment.
The deal also underscores the role of The CW Network as a key outlet for live college sports, a position it has cultivated through consistent viewership growth and strategic programming. With the ACC’s track record of producing championship-contending teams, the partnership is poised to sustain momentum for years to come.