The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is doubling down on its partnership with The CW, as ESPN, The CW, and the ACC have inked a new television deal that will keep ACC football and basketball games on the network through the 2030-31 season. This extension marks a significant step in the conference's push to expand its reach across multiple platforms.
Under the updated agreement, The CW will air a robust slate of ACC events each year, including 14 regular-season football games, 30 men's basketball matchups, and 10 women's basketball contests. Fans can catch these games nationally on The CW, while broadcasts will also be available for streaming through the ESPN App as part of the ESPN Unlimited plan. This dual-access approach ensures that viewers can follow their favorite teams whether they're at home or on the go.
Since The CW first partnered with the ACC in 2023, college sports have become a cornerstone of the network's programming. ACC football, in particular, has delivered some of the strongest ratings The CW has ever seen. A standout moment came during the 2023 season when Florida State's game against North Alabama became the highest-rated college football broadcast in the network's history. The momentum didn't stop there—last year, ACC football coverage on The CW saw a notable increase in overall viewership, while basketball audiences also climbed. Men's basketball viewership rose modestly, and women's basketball posted an even larger jump, underscoring the growing popularity of the sport.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized that the extension aligns with the league's goal of reaching more viewers across different platforms. He praised ESPN for its ongoing support and highlighted The CW's expanding role in showcasing ACC programs. "This partnership allows us to bring more ACC action to fans nationwide," Phillips said.
The CW President Brad Schwartz echoed that sentiment, calling the ACC a key driver of the network's sports growth. "The conference has helped establish The CW as a destination for live events," Schwartz noted, "and we're excited to continue building on that success."
For fans of ACC sports, this deal means more opportunities to catch live action, whether it's a Saturday afternoon football clash or a midweek basketball showdown. As the partnership evolves, the ACC, ESPN, and The CW are clearly committed to keeping college sports front and center. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds.
