Spectrum Picks Up ACC Network Right Before Launch

This week a huge chunk of ACC nation took a sigh of relief, learning on Wednesday that Spectrum would be carrying the ACC Network, which launches on August 22nd.

A week away from its debut, the ACC Network has been met with plenty of skeptics, but a recent distribution agreement with Charter (Spectrum) should make the launch smoother.

Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) have agreed to a multiyear deal that provides subscribers access to Disney’s streaming services, including Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+ (launching on Nov. 12). Fans of Duke, UNC and NC State, through Spectrum TV, will have full access to the upcoming ACC Network, which debuts on Aug. 22.

The new agreement, announced Wednesday, is an expansion of the previous deal between the two companies. Spectrum TV subscribers will continue have access to ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN channels, SEC Network and Longhorn Network.

“Our new agreement with Charter allows us to continue serving Spectrum TV customers with the full value of the Walt Disney Television and ESPN networks, including the newly acquired FX and Nat Geo networks,” Sean Breen, senior vice president of Disney Media Distribution, said.

“ACC fans can also rest assured that they will be able to watch their favorite teams on Spectrum, one of the largest distributors across the ACC footprint, when ACC Network launches next week.” (TBJ)

The Wolfpack’s season opening game against the East Carolina Pirates will air on the ACC Network on August 31st.