Atlantic 10, ESPN+ announce digital media rights deal

The Atlantic 10 and ESPN have agreed to a multi-year media rights deal that will include over 500 events annually, including men’s and women’s basketball games.

The Atlantic 10 issued a press release Thursday morning detailing the agreement.

ESPN+ will become the conference’s exclusive streaming home for most sports and will air a pair of men’s conference tournament games online only.

From the release:

“The A-10 and ESPN have had a long-term linear television agreement that has been a win-win for both parties,” stated Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “This additional agreement gives the Atlantic 10 and its membership unprecedented visibility on some of the best streaming technology in sports, and it gives ESPN+ a wealth of high-level collegiate sports content. I can’t thank ESPN enough for their partnership with the Atlantic 10 Conference.”

One important note for A-10 fans: This deal will include all men’s and women’s basketball games that are not televised. The ASUN has a similar arrangement with ESPN+, which has made the conference one of the most accessible of any low-major. A-10 fans nationwide will have a similar opportunity to track their favorite teams.

A conference spokesman clarified to Mid-Major Madness that the A-10 Tournament would still air on NBC Sports for the second round and quarterfinals, before switching to the CBS networks for the semifinals and finals. ESPN+ will get the opening night doubleheader.