The new ACC Network?

[DC_Area_Panther]

I saw something about the ACC Network (ACCN) havinga a deal with Verizon. What does this mean for Pitt fans? Will we have to pay extra for the ACCN or will we get it as part of an existing cable, satellite or streaming service package (like I currently get the Big Ten Network with U-Tube TV). Will we still be able to get Pitt games via at least one of the ESPN channels as we now do?

Right now I get all Pitt hoops games in the DC Exurbs one way or another via ESPN channels or via Raycom feed to a local DC channel that is part of my U-tube TV package.

Anyone have decent info on what is going to happen? I am concerned about losing coverage for next season?

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I saw something about the ACC Network (ACCN) havinga a deal with Verizon. What does this mean for Pitt fans? Will we have to pay extra for the ACCN or will we get it as part of an existing cable, satellite or streaming service package (like I currently get the Big Ten Network with U-Tube TV). Will we still be able to get Pitt games via at least one of the ESPN channels as we now do?

Right now I get all Pitt hoops games in the DC Exurbs one way or another via ESPN channels or via Raycom feed to a local DC channel that is part of my U-tube TV package.

Anyone have decent info on what is going to happen? I am concerned about losing coverage for next season?

Who is your cable/satellite provider. ACCN is already signed onto some. Most, like Comcast will wait until the last minute until a deal is struck but I'd be shocked if ACCN wasnt in 90%+ of cable/sat homes on Day 1.

 

[JD1976]

Who is your cable/satellite provider. ACCN is already signed onto some. Most, like Comcast will wait until the last minute until a deal is struck but I'd be shocked if ACCN wasnt in 90%+ of cable/sat homes on Day 1.

Deal with DirecTV just announced. Big news!

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Deal with DirecTV just announced. Big news!

Goes to show you the strength of the ACC and the power of ESPN. DirecTV STILL refuses to carry P12N.

 

[ThePanthers]

I saw something about the ACC Network (ACCN) havinga a deal with Verizon. What does this mean for Pitt fans? Will we have to pay extra for the ACCN or will we get it as part of an existing cable, satellite or streaming service package (like I currently get the Big Ten Network with U-Tube TV). Will we still be able to get Pitt games via at least one of the ESPN channels as we now do?

Right now I get all Pitt hoops games in the DC Exurbs one way or another via ESPN channels or via Raycom feed to a local DC channel that is part of my U-tube TV package.

Anyone have decent info on what is going to happen? I am concerned about losing coverage for next season?

Chances are if you have ESPN on your package you will have the ACC Network. If yes you will still be able to stream like you do today.

 

[FieldHouse12]

Even more add ACC Network today....
https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/playstation-vue-hulu-will-add-the-acc-network-this-year/

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

My TV provider is U-Tube-TV.

 

[JD1976]

Goes to show you the strength of the ACC and the power of ESPN. DirecTV STILL refuses to carry P12N.

Yep. No doubt.

 

[JD1976]

I just heard an interview with one of the Raycom execs and he indicated that the RSN package (with Raycom producing) would be continuing even with ACC Network coming on board next year. He also said Raycom will produce many events for ACCN, even though you won't see their name attached to the broadcasts like you do now.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

I just heard an interview with one of the Raycom execs and he indicated that the RSN package (with Raycom producing) would be continuing even with ACC Network coming on board next year. He also said Raycom will produce many events for ACCN, even though you won't see their name attached to the broadcasts like you do now.

I'm sure some ACC anti Swofford southern diehards will not be happy Raycom still around at all.
here,
https://www.greensboro.com/sports/a...e_85b68034-d463-5c30-8e85-f96d1f30b687.html#3

 

[FieldHouse12]

Just hope there is no more games on AT&T Sportsnet.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Well, I hope U-tube TV will pick it up. I would gladly have it instead of the Big Ten Network.

 

[cease10]

I just heard an interview with one of the Raycom execs and he indicated that the RSN package (with Raycom producing) would be continuing even with ACC Network coming on board next year. He also said Raycom will produce many events for ACCN, even though you won't see their name attached to the broadcasts like you do now.

I don't think that's accurate in regards to the RSN package continuing. RSN is done, and all content will now be broadcasted for ACCN and/or ESPN platforms.

ESPN is taking over completely now, both the mothership and the ACC Network when it launches in August. Raycom will still exist, as a production company instead of a broadcaster, but the branding will disappear from the airwaves along with the games

 

[JD1976]

I don't think that's accurate in regards to the RSN package continuing. RSN is done, and all content will now be broadcasted for ACCN and/or ESPN platforms.

ESPN is taking over completely now, both the mothership and the ACC Network when it launches in August. Raycom will still exist, as a production company instead of a broadcaster, but the branding will disappear from the airwaves along with the games

It’s possible that I misinterpreted what the exec said during the radio interview, but I am almost certain he said an RSN package will continue. I will go back and listen later and post the exact quote. Believe me, I hope it’s not true.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I don't think that's accurate in regards to the RSN package continuing. RSN is done, and all content will now be broadcasted for ACCN and/or ESPN platforms.

ESPN is taking over completely now, both the mothership and the ACC Network when it launches in August. Raycom will still exist, as a production company instead of a broadcaster, but the branding will disappear from the airwaves along with the games

It’s possible that I misinterpreted what the exec said during the radio interview, but I am almost certain he said an RSN package will continue. I will go back and listen later and post the exact quote. Believe me, I hope it’s not true.

I cant see how that would be true. ACCN needs all that content.

 

[JD1976]

I cant see how that would be true. ACCN needs all that content.

Here is an excerpt from a story that ran in the Raleigh newspaper this week. I interpret the below as the RSN package will be continuing.

As Raycom disappears to viewers, it will live on behind the scenes. As part of the ACC Network deal, which saw Raycom relinquish the syndication rights it still had through 2027, Raycom received a long-term production agreement with ESPN to produce around 100 ACC games each season for the network, in addition to the ACC games Raycom already produces for regional sports networks like Fox Sports South, which includes 28 men’s basketball games and 17 football games.

 

[cease10]

Here is an excerpt from a story that ran in the Raleigh newspaper this week. I interpret the below as the RSN package will be continuing.

As Raycom disappears to viewers, it will live on behind the scenes. As part of the ACC Network deal, which saw Raycom relinquish the syndication rights it still had through 2027, Raycom received a long-term production agreement with ESPN to produce around 100 ACC games each season for the network, in addition to the ACC games Raycom already produces for regional sports networks like Fox Sports South, which includes 28 men’s basketball games and 17 football games.

I see how it can be interpreted that way, however it just doesn't make any sense to continue having content shown on RSN and thus taking away content from ACCN.

 

[JD1976]

I see how it can be interpreted that way, however it just doesn't make any sense to continue having content shown on RSN and thus taking away content from ACCN.

I agree it is odd, especially considering the fact that the other conferences did away with such deals when their networks came aboard, but maybe the ACC structured their deal differently? They are well known for some good ole boy deal making.

 

[Pittx9]

Who is your cable/satellite provider. ACCN is already signed onto some. Most, like Comcast will wait until the last minute until a deal is struck but I'd be shocked if ACCN wasnt in 90%+ of cable/sat homes on Day 1.

I hope so. Although if it came down to it and Comcast doesn’t get a deal done I wouldn’t hesitate to tell them that’s the sole reason I will be getting rid of them.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Here is an excerpt from a story that ran in the Raleigh newspaper this week. I interpret the below as the RSN package will be continuing.

As Raycom disappears to viewers, it will live on behind the scenes. As part of the ACC Network deal, which saw Raycom relinquish the syndication rights it still had through 2027, Raycom received a long-term production agreement with ESPN to produce around 100 ACC games each season for the network, in addition to the ACC games Raycom already produces for regional sports networks like Fox Sports South, which includes 28 men’s basketball games and 17 football games.

I think that's just badly worded. I would take it to mean that Raycom will be producing 145 games per season for ESPN/ACCN - the 100 from their old Raycom/ESPN deal and 45 from the RSN deal. I dont think there will be any more games on RSN's. I'd be pretty shocked.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

Raycom is gone next year

 

[JD1976]

Raycom is gone next year

They aren’t fully gone, you just won’t see their name/branding attached to he broadcasts. They will still manage and produce the ACC’s digital content and provide some game and content production.

 

[JD1976]

I think that's just badly worded. I would take it to mean that Raycom will be producing 145 games per season for ESPN/ACCN - the 100 from their old Raycom/ESPN deal and 45 from the RSN deal. I dont think there will be any more games on RSN's. I'd be pretty shocked.

Well, this is word-for-word what Rob Reichley, Senior Vice President of Raycom Sports, said live yesterday on Sirius XM's ACC Radio:

Wes Durham: "Rob, you guys (Raycom) have been so actively involved, not just with the ACC over-the-air package... you also coordinate the production of the regional sports network side as well -- and will continue to do so in the future right? Because I think that's one of the things that will be an extension of the agreement even though ESPN starts the network in August, right?"

Reichley: "Yeah, no doubt Wes. The Raycom syndicated game goes away. The last one will be the Championship Game. But our involvement in the ACC still stay for quite a few years through the RSN package that we've done for football and basketball. We will also be producing a number of other events for ESPN and I would expect that a lot of that will be producing ACC Network games."

So there it is, folks. Right from the horse's mouth. It sounds like the RSN package will continue. I believe the reason is that the ACC designates that package as its Tier 3 rights. I remember seeing a note that another part of the ESPN deal was that it had extended the ACC's tier 2 rights as well (presumably, that was how the ACC designated the old Raycom over-the-air package).

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Its the third tier leftovers. And really nobody cares save the few that wanted Swofford's buddies Raycom gone totally.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Well, this is word-for-word what Rob Reichley, Senior Vice President of Raycom Sports, said live yesterday on Sirius XM's ACC Radio:

Wes Durham: "Rob, you guys (Raycom) have been so actively involved, not just with the ACC over-the-air package... you also coordinate the production of the regional sports network side as well -- and will continue to do so in the future right? Because I think that's one of the things that will be an extension of the agreement even though ESPN starts the network in August, right?"

Reichley: "Yeah, no doubt Wes. The Raycom syndicated game goes away. The last one will be the Championship Game. But our involvement in the ACC still stay for quite a few years through the RSN package that we've done for football and basketball. We will also be producing a number of other events for ESPN and I would expect that a lot of that will be producing ACC Network games."

So there it is, folks. Right from the horse's mouth. It sounds like the RSN package will continue. I believe the reason is that the ACC designates that package as its Tier 3 rights. I remember seeing a note that another part of the ESPN deal was that it had extended the ACC's tier 2 rights as well (presumably, that was how the ACC designated the old Raycom over-the-air package).

Good find. I guess you are right. However, I believe that the RSN set of games got the "picks" after ESPN and Raycom/syndicated so if they are going to continue to televise 28 basketball games and 17 football games on RSNs, my guess would be that they will be the games that would have otherwise been stream-only like say, Pitt vs Delaware football or Pitt basketball vs their annual MEAC opponent. You can easily do 28 basketball games in Nov/Dec which would have otherwise been stream-only but with 17 football games, they'd have to do some conference games. I am really surprised by this. The ACC needs all that content. I still dont totally believe it.

 

[JD1976]

Good find. I guess you are right. However, I believe that the RSN set of games got the "picks" after ESPN and Raycom/syndicated so if they are going to continue to televise 28 basketball games and 17 football games on RSNs, my guess would be that they will be the games that would have otherwise been stream-only like say, Pitt vs Delaware football or Pitt basketball vs their annual MEAC opponent. You can easily do 28 basketball games in Nov/Dec which would have otherwise been stream-only but with 17 football games, they'd have to do some conference games. I am really surprised by this. The ACC needs all that content. I still dont totally believe it.

Yeah I would imagine your example of September non-conference football or Nov/Dec non-conference hoops is where most of the RSN broadcasts will take place. Once you get to conference play in both sports, every game not taken by one of the ESPN networks should be able to fit on ACCN.

 

[cease10]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Its the third tier leftovers. And really nobody cares save the few that wanted Swofford's buddies Raycom gone totally.

Everyone will care when you're trying to find the Pitt game and it's not available.

I read somewhere that Swofford's son works for Raycom. I'll be happy with Swofford gone too.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

lol at people who 'can't find' a Pitt game at this point. Christ.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

lol at people who 'can't find' a Pitt game at this point. Christ.

Some of it is either not having the right TV service or not being willing to pay more for one.

If Pitt FB and BB are your #1 priority in selecting your TV service you should be able to find a service (cable, satellite, streaming or some combo of these) that will make that possible.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Some of it is either not having the right TV service or not being willing to pay more for one.

If you have internet access all games are available. It's really not that difficult to figure out, even though some people can't seem to get it.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

If you have internet access all games are available. It's really not that difficult to figure out, even though some people can't seem to get it.

Some just want to be able to turn on the TV and have their TV provider automatically have it as part of their service package without needing to stream anything from the internet.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

The ACC needs all that content.

What are you going to do on a September Saturday when 10 ACC teams are playing 10 non-conference games on the same day? All those games don't fit onto one channel, so you have to do something. The Big Ten relegates games like that to their app and their web site. If the ACC puts some of them on the RSNs, what difference does that make?

Look at week two of the upcoming season. There are 9 Saturday ACC non-conference home games and one ACC conference game that Saturday (as well as one non-con on Friday night). Obviously you'll get a couple ESPN network games out of that, but looking at the schedule they probably wouldn't be interested in more than two of those games. So that leaves you 8 games and one network to show them on. Some people are not going to be happy. So if you push a couple of those games off onto an RSN package, no big deal.

The same thing is going to happen in basketball in November and December. You are going to have days where there are more games being played than there are ACC network time slots available.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Some just want to be able to turn on the TV and have their TV provider automatically have it as part of their service package without needing to stream anything from the internet.

Some people want someone to come over to their house and have someone change their television to the channel that the game is on so they don't have to think about it. Sucks to be them, but they'll likely enter the 21st century some day.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

What are you going to do on a September Saturday when 10 ACC teams are playing 10 non-conference games on the same day? All those games don't fit onto one channel, so you have to do something. The Big Ten relegates games like that to their app and their web site. If the ACC puts some of them on the RSNs, what difference does that make?

Look at week two of the upcoming season. There are 9 Saturday ACC non-conference home games and one ACC conference game that Saturday (as well as one non-con on Friday night). Obviously you'll get a couple ESPN network games out of that, but looking at the schedule they probably wouldn't be interested in more than two of those games. So that leaves you 8 games and one network to show them on. Some people are not going to be happy. So if you push a couple of those games off onto an RSN package, no big deal.

The same thing is going to happen in basketball in November and December. You are going to have days where there are more games being played than there are ACC network time slots available.

Yes and those will be the games on the RSNs, mostly but you are selling ACCN to cable companies MINUS 45 games. So, sure Pitt/Delaware football doesnt add much value, it is worth SOMETHING.

As for Week 2, there are 10 ACC home games. BTN and SECN put the local game on the main channel and simultaneous games on overflow channels. I suppose the RSNs will be our "overflow channels" in a sense. Like I'd say A&M/Clemson, UNC/Miami, USF/GT, and FSU/ULM are ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU/ABC games while the following 6 are split between ACCN and the RSNs:

Pitt/Ohio
VT/ODU
Duke/NCCU
NC State/WKU
Lou/EKU
BC/Richmond

That would leave the RSNs 14 more games the other 13 weeks so it appears that noon ACC syndicated football lives on!