ESPN opts to renew Atlantic Coast Conference media deal
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The Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) long-running partnership with ESPN has been extended, cementing the outlet’s standing as a major broadcaster of college athletics.

ESPN opted to extend its base agreement with the league, a clause written into the pre-existing agreement. It will continue as the main media partner of the league for 2035/36 academic year onwards.

This will include coverage via the ACC network, launched by ESPN in August 2019. With college sports a widely followed space in the US, the deal will likely ensure a continued large and loyal audience for ESPN.

“We appreciate the ongoing partnership with ESPN and their enduring commitment that further solidifies the ACC as a premier league in all facets,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D.

“The extension showcases the importance of our long-standing relationship, and I want to personally thank the entire ESPN team for their leadership and dedication to our collective future.

“In addition, I want to thank our ACC Board of Directors who have been involved throughout this entire process. The resolve from both parties to further enhance the partnership through innovation and creativity to continue to drive additional value remains our top priority.”

ESPN is a key broadcaster of two of the most popular sports in college athletics, American football and basketball. The outlet has the rights to the top tier in each discipline, the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One.

Outside of college sports, it maintains a dominant position via arrangements with the likes of the National Basketball Association (NBA), PGA Tour and US Open, among others. The deal with the ACC is one of the longest running in US sports, dating back 35 years.

The organisation also bid, alongside Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), to further cement its position via the launch of Venu Sports, a joint venture alongside the abovementioned broadcasters, though this was later called off.

“We are pleased to extend our media rights agreement with the ACC through 2036, continuing our longstanding relationship,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN.

“We remain committed to serving the ACC, its member schools, student athletes and fans via comprehensive live game coverage, storytelling and broad exposure across our unprecedented array of networks and platforms, including ACC Network.

“The ACC is a pillar of ESPN’s leading commitment to college sports and we are thrilled to continue the partnership over the next decade.”

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