📡 Sources: ESPN-backed ACC Network set for '19

[ESPNU]

Sources: ESPN-backed ACC Network set for '19

The long-awaited ACC Network will launch by August 2019, according to league sources.

The Atlantic Coast Conference and ESPN have agreed to a 20-year deal and rights extension through the 2035-36 academic year, sources said.

The ACC also extended its conference grant of rights deal nine years through 2035-36, a source said.

The conference's grant of rights makes it untenable financially for a school to leave, guaranteeing in the 20 years of the deal that a school's media rights, including revenue, for all home games would remain with the ACC regardless of the school's affiliation.

The ACC's new grant of rights also automatically extends Notre Dame's contract with the conference as a member in all sports but football through 2035-36, a source said. If the Irish forgo football independence in the next 20 years, they are contracted to join the ACC.​

From ESPNU—Continue reading...

 

[TerryP]

It's probably a safe assumption this ties Notre Dame and NBC at the hip for another couple of decades. I've wondered about the feasibility of a Notre Dame Network.

It should make members of the PAC and Big 12 turn their heads and pause. I can't see how this ACCN isn't the second most profitable network within two to three years after launch. The conference surely will challenge the B1G for most profitable conference ranking.

Remember our conversations about which carriers would carry the SECN when it launched? The ACCN's goal has to be for them to get on as many basic cable packages as possible. There's probably a half of a dozen football games I'll pay attention to within any given year of ACC play. But, given the chance to watch a half of a dozen Duke games? And then a few games from the 'Heels, 'Cuse, and other ACC games? I'll watch.

Women's soccer. Baseball. Both good sports in that conference.

 

[TerryP]

Oh, and a quick h/t to those who have as their first thought "TV might be really different by the time we get ... "

 

[bama alum]

It's probably a safe assumption this ties Notre Dame and NBC at the hip for another couple of decades. I've wondered about the feasibility of a Notre Dame Network.

It should make members of the PAC and Big 12 turn their heads and pause. I can't see how this ACCN isn't the second most profitable network within two to three years after launch. The conference surely will challenge the B1G for most profitable conference ranking.

Remember our conversations about which carriers would carry the SECN when it launched? The ACCN's goal has to be for them to get on as many basic cable packages as possible. There's probably a half of a dozen football games I'll pay attention to within any given year of ACC play. But, given the chance to watch a half of a dozen Duke games? And then a few games from the 'Heels, 'Cuse, and other ACC games? I'll watch.

Women's soccer. Baseball. Both good sports in that conference.

Men's soccer, too. UNC and UVA are damn good programs (in fact, UVA is really good in just about everything...except football). I think this is more of a basketball showcase. Like you said, who gives a rat's ass about half their football games? ESPN is already spending a ton during the winter to advertise the upcoming Duke/UNC games. Now they'll have an alternative station for say...Thug U v. UVA or Tech v. Tech.

 

[TerryP]

I think this is more of a basketball showcase.

I'm assuming they see the same money well CBS does with its contract for the tourney. If you consider the timing, they're a couple of years late. It would have been perfect when the Big East fell apart.

 

[planomateo]

:shock:

 

[TUSKtimes]

See where North Carolina has two FCS teams on their schedule again. Man, you just got roasted and toasted for that kiddie college schedule all the way through the playoff polls. Apparently, academic achievement isn't just a shortcoming of the players.