ACC Miami Hurricanes Shock No. 6 Notre Dame with Last-Minute Victory in Season Opener
The CW Network and ESPN have announced a new sublicense broadcast agreement that will keep ACC football and men’s and women’s basketball on The CW through the 2030‑31 season. Under the expanded deal, The CW will televise 14 regular season football games, 30 men’s basketball games, and 10 women’s basketball games each year. All matchups will air nationwide on The CW’s broadcast network and, for the first time, stream live on the ESPN App for viewers with the ESPN Unlimited plan.
CW Leadership Praises ACC’s Role in Network’s Sports Growth
Brad Schwartz, President of The CW Network, credited the ACC for helping drive the network’s rapid expansion into live sports. He noted that the conference was an early believer in The CW’s sports vision and emphasized the network’s commitment to delivering the widest possible reach for ACC programming. Schwartz highlighted the strong connection between ACC student‑athletes and CW viewers, pointing to the conference’s role in generating some of the network’s most-watched live events.
ACC Games Deliver Strong Ratings and Audience Growth
The CW’s relationship with the ACC began during the 2023‑24 season, marking the network’s entry into live college sports. Since then, ACC matchups have consistently delivered strong ratings. Four of the top five most-watched college football games on The CW have featured ACC teams, including the 2023 North Alabama–Florida State broadcast, the network’s highest-rated college football game to date and Miami is also a draw on the CW. Last season, ACC football on The CW posted a 26 percent year-over-year increase in total viewers, with significant gains among adults 18‑49 and 25‑54. ACC basketball also delivered record viewership during the 2025‑26 season, with men’s and women’s games up 6 percent and 26 percent, respectively.
ACC Leadership Highlights Value of ESPN and CW Collaboration
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D., praised ESPN’s longstanding support and emphasized the importance of the conference’s continued visibility across multiple platforms. He said the extension with The CW reflects shared momentum and a commitment to delivering ACC competition to more fans in innovative ways. Phillips called The CW an outstanding partner and expressed enthusiasm for expanding the collaboration.
ESPN Says Agreement Expands Flexibility and Access for Fans
Nick Dawson, ESPN senior vice president of programming and acquisitions, said extending The CW’s sublicense is a win for ACC fans nationwide. He noted that the combination of free over‑the‑air broadcasts and ESPN App streaming through the ESPN Unlimited plan gives fans maximum flexibility in how they watch ACC football and basketball. Dawson emphasized that the arrangement provides strong exposure for ACC schools while enhancing the overall viewing experience.
