There are still realignment observers who question the ACC Network’s success. If they do what I said in May still remains true when discussing the ACC Network.
The clearest indicator that I know a realignment observer doesn’t know what they are talking about is if they say the ACC Network doesn’t make money.
We detailed then how much the ACC Network was thriving.
If you read the blog you knew this already, because we correctly predicted, and posted this last year.
Georgia Tech in their recent financial statement reported they made $9 Million off the ACC Network.
It’s right there in print on page 12.
For the Fiscal year ending 2021-2022, that’s not the entire year of COMCAST distribution which started in December of 2021. It’s only half. The ACC can expect another $1-3 Million for a full year. From the math above – that’s $150 Million to $180 Million going to ESPN.
If 15 ACC teams are “conservatively” making $10 maybe even $11 Million from the ACC Network, and it’s a joint venture with ESPN, that’s $150 Million to $165 Million for the 4 Letter Network.
Don’t conflate the primary media deal and the ACC Network. Too many people are erroneously doing that. Brian Murphy of WRALSportsfan.com wrote an excellent further detailing how well the ACC Network is doing. Additionally, some realignment observers seem convinced that ESPN will not extend the ACC media rights deal.
Hmm… that seems strange to assume when ESPN says things like as we see in Murphy’s piece.
“An unequivocal success,” said Jeramy Michiaels, an ESPN senior director who oversees the ACC Network and manages ESPN’s relationship with the league. “From a revenue and a sales standpoint, I would say it’s exceeded our expectations. I would say it is extraordinarily successful.”
“One of the things that I’m focused on every single day is growing viewership,” Michiaels said. “They’ve been double-digit percentage growth year over year over year. I’m very proud of that fact. I think that’s only going to grow with the new territories that we’re in, with the new fan bases that are coming into the league.”
It’s highly profitable, and ESPN sounds quite pleased with it.
I just can’t give any credence to someone who makes the claim the ACC Network isn’t a massive success. It’s simply not the case.
