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On Thursday, ESPN announced plans for 15 new conference networks spanning across Division I. They are, in alphabetical order: ACC, America East, Atlantic Sun, Big South, Big West, Central Intercollegiate Athletic, Horizon, Mid-American, Metro Atlantic Athletic, MEAC, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Southern, SWAC, Sun Belt and Southland. The Big Ten and Pac-12 already have their own networks, the SEC is in the midst of launching its own and the Big 12 schools individually own their own networks or quasi-networks, which is why they aren't included. But virtually everyone else in Division I is.

Here's the catch, these aren't traditional networks that may be seen on terrestrial television. They'll be streamed through WatchESPN via Apple TV or Roku, which does limit the audience. But, still, if you're the Northeast Conference, this is a boon for you

Thought there would be balloons or explosions with my 5000th post... oh well.

this work?

That about sums it up.

(02-27-2014 02:50 PM)Kimbosucks Wrote:  On Thursday, ESPN announced plans for 15 new conference networks spanning across Division I. They are, in alphabetical order: ACC, America East, Atlantic Sun, Big South, Big West, Central Intercollegiate Athletic, Horizon, Mid-American, Metro Atlantic Athletic, MEAC, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Southern, SWAC, Sun Belt and Southland. The Big Ten and Pac-12 already have their own networks, the SEC is in the midst of launching its own and the Big 12 schools individually own their own networks or quasi-networks, which is why they aren't included. But virtually everyone else in Division I is.

Here's the catch, these aren't traditional networks that may be seen on terrestrial television. They'll be streamed through WatchESPN via Apple TV or Roku, which does limit the audience. But, still, if you're the Northeast Conference, this is a boon for you

They also said that by next summer they should have the new networks available through ESPN3.

Congrats on reaching 5,000 posts, Kimbo. Your prize is that now disenfranchised posters will accuse you of living on your keyboard.

So, those of us with ISPs who won't pay ESPN's inflated fees for WatchESPN will be more screwed than ever once this is up and running because I assume that it will mean the demise of the MAC Digital Network.

(02-27-2014 08:34 PM)MileHighBronco Wrote:  So, those of us with ISPs who won't pay ESPN's inflated fees for WatchESPN will be more screwed than ever once this is up and running because I assume that it will mean the demise of the MAC Digital Network.

wasn't that gone this year anyway, for football? I thought everything already was on WatchESPN this year.

(02-27-2014 03:44 PM)Kimbosucks Wrote:  That about sums it up.

(02-27-2014 08:34 PM)MileHighBronco Wrote:  So, those of us with ISPs who won't pay ESPN's inflated fees for WatchESPN will be more screwed than ever once this is up and running because I assume that it will mean the demise of the MAC Digital Network.

It's kind of a reverse form of net anti-neutrality. Instead of ISPs restricting the content users can view, it's the content providers determining what ISPs get their content.

It's an ugly business.

It had better get straightened out soon or people will stop watching all together and turn their attention elsewhere. The frustration level is rising out there.