Georgia Tech’s Bobinski excited about ACC Network
Based on ESPN’s track record of success, Georgia Tech athletic director Mike Bobinski sees the newly announced ACC Network as a positive step for his school and the conference.
“It’s a brand new business venture,” Bobinski said. “A start-up is a start-up. But we’re very optimistic.”
ESPN and the Atlantic Coast Conference on Thursday announced the launch of a comprehensive linear and digital network. The 20-year deal will provide unprecedented access to live events through a multi-platform network.
“ESPN is not in the business of not doing successful deals,” Bobinski said. “They do things that work and are not only content viable but economically viable and we have a lot of confidence that it’s going to be a very significant revenue producer for both parties.”
Beginning in August, fans will have access to more than 600 live events via a digital live-events channel. The ACC Network Extra will be available to users to have access to ESPN3 via WatchESPN and the ESPN app.
The linear network will launch in 2019 and will feature 450 exclusive live events, including 40 regular-season football games, more than 150 men’s and women’s basketball games, more than 200 other live games from the other sports. The network will provide coverage of all the other sports, from softball to track and field.
“We look forward to working with our longtime partners at the ACC to create a network that reflects the depth and quality of its athletes and teams, and serves the fans who passionately support them,” said ESPN president John Skipper
The ACC Network will be different than what currently exists, which is syndicated football and basketball games. That will continue through the 2018-19 season. The new ACC Network will have exclusive ACC games, news and information programming.
The news means each school will be required to invest in a television studios or increased production facilities on campus.
“We have to bring our facilities up to a certain level of capabilities, whether it’s studio or just pure production capabilities,” Bobinski said. “To produce network quality, broadcast quality from our own campus, we’ll have to make some enhancements, as well just about everybody around the league.”
This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 7:22 PM with the headline "Georgia Tech’s Bobinski excited about ACC Network."