Q. I am excited about the ACC Network starting tomorrow (today, August 22), but I was wondering if my provider, Comcast, will carry it. And if it’s not, which of the streamers will carry it. Will Netflix? — Sam, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Sam, you’re right. The ESPN-owned ACC Network debuts tonight at 7 p.m. ET. The new channel will feature live games involving ACC teams in all sports as well as studio shows and documentaries focused on ACC players, teams and issues. For instance, tonight at 9 p.m. ET, the ACC Network will air a documentary on Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, entitled, ‘The Class That Saved Coach K.’
(The first live college football game will be Georgia Tech vs. Clemson on August 29 at 8 p.m. ET.)
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Before I explain which pay TV providers will carry the channel, take note that the first 10 minutes tonight will be simulcast on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPNEWS. So if your service doesn’t carry it, at least you can get a glimpse of what’s coming.
Now, will you be able to watch it after those 10 minutes?
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According to the ACC Network web site, the following providers have signed up to carry the channel: DIRECTV, Charter Spectrum, YouTube TV, PlayStation Vue, Hulu Live (as opposed to Hulu, the Video on Demand service), Verizon FiOS, Optimum, the NRTC, members of the NCTC, Suddenlink, Google Fiber, TVision, and several small cable and telco companies.
As you can see, there are several notable holdouts, including Comcast, U-verse, AT&T TV Now, Cox, Dish, and Sling TV, the leading live streaming TV service. (Sam, also take note that Netflix does not carry live sports, and therefore will not carry the ACC Network.)
Update: Dish and Sling TV have added the ACC Network.
Considering that today is the launch day, we might see some last-minute additions so we’ll update this story if there are. Until then, happy viewing!
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Dear TVAnswerman:
I see many CBS blackout questions but no NBC affiliate blackout questions.
We are in the Savannah GA market and can’t watch the PGA playoffs. When do you think this issue will be resolved.
Thx
Your NBC station is owned by Nexstar. See: https://tvanswerman.com/2019/08/07/directv-vs-nexstar-when-will-it-end/