Overview
- A rights agreement announced July 15, 2026 secures SWAC football and basketball on ESPN linear channels and ESPN digital platforms through the 2030–31 academic year.
- The deal specifies annual coverage that includes 10 regular-season football games on ESPN networks and ESPN+, the SWAC Football Championship on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2, and basketball tournament championships on a linear ESPN network.
- ESPN Events and the SWAC extended the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and the Cricket Celebration Bowl through 2032, with the Kickoff set for Aug. 29 (Alabama A&M vs. Howard on ABC) and the Celebration Bowl scheduled for Dec. 12 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
- League and network leaders said the arrangement preserves national visibility for student-athletes and member schools, which could help recruiting, game-day attendance, and sponsorship value for SWAC programs.
- The renewal continues a relationship that dates to ESPNU’s 2005 launch and reflects a common broadcast strategy of pairing ABC/ESPN linear windows with streaming on ESPN+ to broaden audience reach for HBCU showcase events.