Story by Gage Johnson
Senior writer
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
The OVC announced an extension of its media rights agreement with ESPN on Monday, which will create unprecedented streaming options on ESPN’s new platform.
Over 600 conference games will now be aired on the new subscription service ESPN+. The deal will effectively phase out conference sports coverage on OVC Digital Network, the conference’s free service. The subscription will charge viewers $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year. The platform, in addition to streaming games, will also feature original content and shows.
ESPN+ will begin coverage with two OVC football games on Thursday, Aug. 30, including Murray State’s matchup with Southern Illinois-Carbondale. Thirty-six OVC football games will air on the new subscription service during the season, while eight other football “games of the week” will be featured on ESPN3.
Although some have contested the move to a subscription-based platform, Murray State football Head Coach Mitch Stewart applauded the move by the league.
“The biggest thing I’ve seen is just from a recruiting standpoint, you know,” Stewart said. “I think that’s a huge deal when you have parents of recruits ask you, ‘Hey, how am I going to get to see my son play?’, and you can tell them, ‘Hey, our conference is partnered with ESPN.’ Whether it’s on TV this week, whether it’s on the computer, whatever. Everybody knows ESPN; it’s a household name. I think it does nothing but help the OVC.”
Conference soccer and volleyball will continue to see their regular slot on the OVC Digital Network until its respective regular season championship and conference championship game.
“The OVC membership is delighted to be able to extend our long-standing partnership with ESPN and to expand our level of exposure with ESPN+ during its inaugural year,” OVC Commissioner, Beth DeBauche said. “ESPN+ is an innovative initiative that will permit the OVC to not only serve its current fanbase, but expand its reach, as sports fans in general will be able to view our exciting contests and learn more about the storied history of the league.”