GCU, WAC events to stream on ESPN+

The WAC announced a conference-wide expanded multimedia rights partnership with ESPN on Tuesday, bringing Grand Canyon athletic events to the ESPN+ platform.

"The strength of our expanded conference introduced an opportunity to sign an enhanced multimedia rights deal with ESPN," GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. "We're excited to take the quality of production that our university has invested in digital streaming and pair it with the national brand of ESPN."

All competitions hosted by WAC institutions will be available via ESPN+.

"The WAC and ESPN have a long history together and it's exciting to continue that relationship into the future,' WAC commissioner Jeff Hurd said. "ESPN remains the gold standard when it comes to sports and this multi-year agreement will continue to assist in the WAC's growth nationally."

The agreement takes place immediately and began with GCU's first official home event of the academic year, when the women's soccer team hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday night at GCU Stadium.

"Enhancing our relationship with ESPN allows fans around the WAC and the country to see our stellar brand of college sports," WAC executive director of broadcasting Eric Danner said. "ESPN+ has grown exponentially in the past three years and we are thrilled to now have hundreds of regular-season events and WAC championship productions associated with the strongest brand in sports."

ESPN+ is an extensive streaming platform available via smart phone, smart TV, web browser, game console and more. It includes live sports and ESPN+ Originals, all in HD on your favorite supported devices. ESPN+ is available as a standalone subscription for $6.99 per month or as a part of the Disney Bundle (includes Disney+ and Hulu) for $13.99 per month. A cable or satellite subscription is not required to subscribe to ESPN+.

The exclusivity of the agreement means GCU events will no longer be streamed on YouTube, GCULopes.com or the WAC Digital Network. Select GCU events, including all home men's basketball games, will continue to be broadcast on local television.

"As the WAC expands its fan base into new markets across the country, we're pleased to continue ESPN's association with the conference, which started more than three decades ago," ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions Dan Margulis said. "With more than 500 annual events included in this new agreement, we look forward to showcasing the WAC's talented student-athletes and member institutions."

All home football and men's and women's basketball games will reside on ESPN platforms, as well as selected other events. The WAC will also produce and air over 70 championship events on ESPN+ in the upcoming year.

To view more information and subscribe to ESPN+, click here.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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