The CW Network and ESPN have announced a multi‑year extension of their sublicense agreement that will keep ACC football and basketball games on The CW through the 2030‑31 season, delivering a robust slate of live contests to millions of households across the United States.
Under the new deal, The CW will broadcast 14 regular‑season football games, 30 men’s basketball matchups and 10 women’s basketball contests each year, with every event available live on the network’s linear channel and via the ESPN App for subscribers to the ESPN Unlimited plan.
The partnership has already proven its appeal; four of the top five most‑watched college football games on The CW this season have been ACC contests, and last year’s ACC football telecasts posted a 26 percent increase in total viewership compared with the previous year.
Viewership for ACC basketball on The CW hit a new high during the 2025‑26 season, underscoring the network’s growing relevance as a destination for college sports fans nationwide.
What this means for viewers
Fans can look forward to a seamless blend of linear television and streaming, with the ESPN App providing a second screen for real‑time stats, replays and on‑demand access. The agreement also paves the way for further collaborations between the ACC and The CW, potentially expanding the slate of featured games in coming years.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed gratitude for the continued partnership, highlighting the role of Disney and ESPN in amplifying the conference’s reach.
Nick Dawson, senior vice president of programming and acquisitions at ESPN, said the renewed deal is a win for fans, promising more marquee moments and deeper integration across ESPN’s platforms.