Cox Communications to Distribute ACC Network

ESPN has scored another carriage partner for its upstart ACC Network as Cox Communications has signed a carriage deal to launch the college sports service. All ACCN games will also be available on the ESPN app to authenticated subscribers.

The deal between Disney Media Distribution and Cox Communications will allow fans and followers of the Atlantic Coast Conference to access the multi-platform network in all Cox markets, said officials from both companies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We know our customers are passionate about sports, and we’re excited to be able to connect them to exclusive ACC content and games through this agreement,” said Andy Albert, Cox Communications senior vice president, content acquisition in a statement.

Added Sean Breen, Disney Media Distribution senior vice president, “Cox Communications’ strong presence in key markets across the ACC footprint makes this agreement great for their consumers and vibrant fan base. With more than 30 remaining football games on tap this season, Cox subscribers will get to welcome the ACC Network in overdrive.”

The Cox deal leaves Comcast and Dish Network as major distributors who have not signed on to carry the service, which will offer approximately 450 live ACC contests including 40 regular-season football games, 150 men’s and women’s basketball games, and 200 other regular-season competitions and tournament games annually from across the conference’s 27 sponsored sports, according to network officials.

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R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.