Disney, Mediacom deal expands reach of ACC Network

The ACC Network will be available to Mediacom Communications Corporation subscribers this fall. Disney Media & Entertainment and Mediacom announced a multi-year agreement Thursday, which includes Disney’s lineup of sports content.

What this means for ACC, ACC Network

The multi-year deal announced Thursday allows Mediacom’s subscriber base to access the ACC Network on multiple networks beginning this September.

This is the first step in accomplishing ACC commissioner Jim Phillips’ top priority. Since he took the job in December, the former Northwestern athletic director has made the network’s distribution a focus.

“With Mediacom’s strong presence in key markets, the addition of the ACC Network and its extensive offerings of live sporting events will add tremendous value for their customers,” said Sean Breen, Executive Vice President, Platform Distribution at Disney Media & Entertainment.

Thursday’s deal comes in the midst of Texas and Oklahoma announcing their switch to the SEC. With the next wave of conference realignment starting, the ACC expanding its distribution is crucial. Mediacom’s largest markets are throughout the Midwest, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.

The big target for the conference is landing Comcast Xfinity. The company’s contract with Disney is up at the end of 2021. Comcast is expected to sign a new deal with Disney, picking up the ACC Network in the process. YouTube TV and Hulu offer the network, but the ACC would gain significant viewership if Comcast added the network.

“We’re hopeful to come to an agreement with these cable providers that aren’t carrying the network, and that’s anytime between now through the end of the year,” Phillips said to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution at the ACC Kickoff media event.

“I really like our plan. ESPN has been fantastic. They have also said it’s a priority for them, so I think it’s a good strategy to address that.”

Looking ahead

Expanding the ACC Network’s reach is important for the ACC brand and TV revenue distribution to member institutions.

But it’s also valuable because of the ACC’s current television contract. The deal currently only distributes roughly $17 million per school. Unless the league adds Notre Dame or joins a mega-conference in realignment, it will be last in Power Five revenue until it expires in 2026.

Photo courtesy of Brett Carlsen/Getty Images