ACC Network on track despite ESPN cutbacks

Sports broadcaster ESPN is still on track to launch the ACC Network college sports channel as scheduled in 2019 despite recent staff cutbacks.

According to ACCSports.com, Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford told staff in an internal memo that he had received assurances from ESPN president John Skipper that the channel is still on course to launch as planned in two years’ time.

ESPN, which laid off about 100 employees last week, agreed a 20-year deal with the ACC last July.

“Some of the so-called ‘experts’ on social media, in light of ESPN's recently announced layoffs, have questioned whether the ACC's linear network will launch,” Swofford is quoted as stating in the memo. “I write to let you know that I have had multiple conversations with John Skipper… and have total confirmation from him that the ESPN/ACC linear network launch is full speed ahead and unaffected by the aforementioned events at ESPN.”