On behalf of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and the United Athletic Conference (UAC), Unisun Sports announced a groundbreaking long-term media rights agreement with ESPN, marking the first time multiple NCAA Division I conferences have joined together under a unified media rights deal.
The innovative relationship positions both conferences to benefit from unprecedented national visibility across ESPN’s industry-leading networks. The agreement creates a streamlined media strategy designed to maximize exposure and strengthen the long-term value of the ASUN and UAC brands.
Beginning with the 2026 academic year, ESPN will serve as the exclusive home for both the ASUN and the UAC. A comprehensive slate of ASUN and UAC regular-season and championship events will be featured across ESPN+, with meaningful exposure on ESPN’s linear networks.
The agreement represents a new model for collegiate athletics, bringing together two conferences with shared values, complementary footprints, and a collective commitment to innovation.
“This agreement is a transformational moment not only for our conferences, but for the future of collegiate athletics,” said Unisun Sports CEO, Jeff Bacon. “By aligning media rights, we’ve created a forward-thinking strategy that delivers greater exposure for our institutions, elevates the student-athlete experience, and provides fans unprecedented access to our championships and regular-season competition. I’d like to thank Mallory Kenny, Nick Dawson, and our tremendous teammates at ESPN for their continued commitment as we form what’s next in collegiate athletics.”
The agreement includes:
- Linear coverage of the ASUN Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship games.
- Linear coverage of the UAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship games.
- Linear coverage of regular season men’s basketball.
- Inclusion of a select linear event – any sport – for each conference each year. This year’s selected game features Tarleton State Football hosting Prairie View in Week 0.
- Annual collaboration of additional regular season and championship opportunities across ESPN networks.
- Over 1,200 digital productions on ESPN+.
- Comprehensive live coverage of regular-season competition across multiple sports.
- Exclusive streaming of conference championship events.
- Ability to produce 188 local linear games.
- Expanded visibility for student-athletes, institutions, and conference brands.
“We’re pleased to welcome the ASUN and UAC to a new chapter with Unisun Sports on ESPN,” said Mallory Kenny, ESPN director of programming & acquisitions. “By bringing a broad slate of regular-season and championship events to our networks, we can showcase the depth of competition across both conferences and connect their student-athletes and programs with fans nationwide.”
“This enhanced relationship with the industry leader in sports broadcasting demonstrates what is possible when conferences collaborate with a shared vision. Together, we’re creating greater value for our member institutions,” said Bacon. The expanded collaboration with ESPN reflects the continued evolution of Unisun Sports, building upon strategic collaboration while establishing a new benchmark for conference media agreements.