ESPN, The CW Strike New Deal to Air More ACC Football, Basketball

The ACC, ESPN, and The CW have agreed to a new television deal that secures additional ACC football and basketball broadcasts on The CW through the 2030-31 season. Under the terms, The CW will air 14 regular-season football games, 30 men’s basketball games, and 10 women’s basketball games each year, with broadcasts also available through the ESPN App as part of ESPN Unlimited. The partnership builds on The CW’s success since joining the ACC in 2023, with ACC football generating the network’s highest-rated college football broadcast ever—a Florida State game against North Alabama in 2023. Last season, ACC football viewership on The CW surged, while basketball audiences also climbed, particularly for women’s basketball, which saw a notable increase in ratings. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips called the extension a key step in expanding the conference’s reach across platforms, praising ESPN’s support and The CW’s role in promoting ACC programs. The CW President Brad Schwartz emphasized the ACC’s importance to the network’s sports growth, positioning The CW as a leading destination for live college sports. The deal ensures continued national coverage of ACC games on The CW while integrating streaming options, reinforcing the network’s growing focus on college sports. Both parties highlighted the partnership’s success in driving viewership and establishing The CW as a major player in live sports programming.