MEAC Extends ESPN Media Rights Through 2031

Photo courtesy MEAC/ SWAC Kickoff Challenge

• The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and ESPN have agreed to a new multi-year media rights deal that will keep the conference's premier football and basketball events on ESPN platforms through the 2030-31 academic year.

  The agreement strengthens one of the longest-standing relationships in college athletics while expanding national exposure for MEAC student-athletes, coaches and member institutions. In addition, ESPN Events and the conference announced a six-year extension that keeps the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff presented by Toyota and the Cricket Celebration Bowl presented by Toyota in partnership through 2032.

  Expanded Coverage Across ESPN Platforms

  Under the new agreement, ESPN will continue providing extensive coverage of MEAC competition throughout the academic year.

  The media rights package includes:

  • Nearly two dozen regular-season football games each season, including select matchups on ESPN's linear television networks.

  • The MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament Championship on a linear ESPN network.

  • The MEAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship on a linear ESPN network.

  • Every other round of the men's and women's basketball tournaments on ESPN's digital platforms.

  • Select regular-season men's basketball games on ESPN's linear networks.

  The agreement also grants ESPN global media rights, allowing the conference to reach fans worldwide.

  Continued Investment in HBCU Athletics

  ESPN officials said the new agreement reflects the network's continued investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and its commitment to showcasing the MEAC's student-athletes on a national stage.

  "The MEAC has a proud history and continues to play an important role in the HBCU sports landscape," said Mallory Kenny, ESPN's director of programming and acquisitions. "This agreement reflects ESPN's commitment to providing meaningful exposure for the conference and ensuring fans can follow its premier football and basketball competition across our networks."

  MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills called the agreement another milestone for the conference, saying the expanded partnership will provide greater visibility while creating more opportunities for fans to engage with MEAC competition throughout the season.

  MEAC/SWAC Challenge and Celebration Bowl Extended Through 2032

  Alongside the media rights announcement, ESPN Events confirmed the MEAC will continue participating in both of its signature HBCU football events through 2032.

  The extension ensures the conference remains part of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and the Cricket Celebration Bowl, two of the nation's premier annual showcases for HBCU football.

  John T. Grant, executive director of both events, said the MEAC has played a vital role in building the national reputation of each game.

  "The conference's tradition of excellence and competitive success has left an indelible mark on the history of these games," Grant said. "These events provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements, culture and enduring impact of HBCU football on a national stage."

  Key Dates for the 2026 Season

  The 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff presented by Toyota will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, when Alabama A&M faces Howard at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC in Atlanta.

  The HBCU postseason concludes on Saturday, Dec. 12, with the 11th Cricket Celebration Bowl presented by Toyota at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The game will feature the champions of the MEAC and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) competing for the HBCU national championship.

  What the Agreement Means for the MEAC

  The new partnership guarantees that MEAC football and basketball will remain prominently featured across ESPN's television and streaming platforms through the end of the decade.

  For the conference, the agreement provides consistent national exposure, strengthens recruiting opportunities and offers student-athletes greater visibility on one of the country's largest sports media platforms.

  Combined with the extension of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Celebration Bowl, the agreement reinforces ESPN's long-term commitment to promoting HBCU athletics while expanding the reach of one of college sports' most tradition-rich conferences.