ESPN and Southwestern Athletic Conference Announce Multi-Year Media Rights Agreement Through 2030-31

ESPN and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) have announced a multi-year media rights agreement covering SWAC football and basketball through the 2030-31 academic year. Separately, ESPN Events and the SWAC have extended the conference's participation in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Cricket Celebration Bowl through 2032.

The SWAC consistently delivers exciting competition, passionate fan engagement and some of the most anticipated championship events in HBCU athletics, says Mallory Kenny, Director, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN. The SWAC has been a valued teammate of ours since the launch of ESPNU in 2005, and we're pleased to continue bringing the conference's premier football and basketball events to fans across our networks and expanding the visibility of the student-athletes and programs that make the SWAC such a significant part of college sports.

Our continued partnership with ESPN reflects the strength, tradition and national appeal of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, says Dr. Charles McClelland, Commissioner, SWAC. This agreement ensures our student-athletes, coaches and member institutions will continue to receive premier national exposure while showcasing the excellence of SWAC football and basketball to audiences across the country.

The SWAC's rich football heritage and passionate fan support have helped make the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Celebration Bowl two of the most anticipated events in HBCU sports, says John T. Grant, Executive Director, MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Celebration Bowl. We are excited to continue showcasing the energy, tradition and excellence that define SWAC football over the next six years.

Annual ESPN Coverage Under the Agreement

10 regular-season football games on ESPN networks and ESPN+

SWAC Football Championship on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2

SWAC Men's Basketball Tournament Championship on a linear ESPN network

SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship on a linear ESPN network

All other rounds of men's and women's basketball tournaments on ESPN digital networks

Four regular-season men's basketball games on ESPN networks or ESPN+

2026 HBCU Events

Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff: Saturday, August 29 - Alabama A&M vs. Howard, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC

Cricket Celebration Bowl: Saturday, December 12 - noon ET on ABC, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/07/16/espn-and-southwestern-athletic-...
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