:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29250603/watchespn_channels.0.jpg)
ESPN launched 15 conference-specific channels for its online outlet, WatchESPN, the media company announced on Thursday.
Must Reads
The channels can be streamed to television via Apple TV or Roku, and they will feature live men's and women's college basketball games and replays of college football games. With conference basketball tournaments on the horizon, ESPN is offering a platform for most Division I conferences around the country. Those included are the ACC, America East, Atlantic Sun, Big South, Big West, MEAC, SWAC, CIA, Horizon, MAC, MAAC, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Southern, Sun Belt and Southland. ESPN plans on broadcasting more than 2,000 live men's and women's games during conference tournaments.
The deal doesn't include the Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 or SEC because those conferences either already have or are planning to launch their own networks.
The ACC was also expected to be getting its own ESPN television network, not just a piece of WatchESPN. It's unclear what this news means as far as the ACC Network goes. As you'd expect, ACC fans are concerned.
Later this year, ESPN says the channels will broadcast live college football and non-revenue sports, plus news and highlights.