ESPN Adds DirecTV As Carrier For ACC Network At Launch

DirecTV is the latest distributor that has decided to carry ACC Network at its Aug. 22 launch, a crucial deal for ESPN as it tries to convince the distribution community to carry the fledgling channel. ACC Net previously signed launch deals with Altice, Verizon and Hulu TV. ESPN will depend on Hulu's and DirecTV’s national footprints as they negotiate with other distributors, including Comcast, Charter, Dish Network and AT&T U-Verse.

ESPN is launching an ad campaign around the net today to coincide with the start of the ACC men’s basketball tournament. The campaign is called “We Do This,” and shows an inside look at each of the conference’s schools and their traditions. The spots will run across ESPN platforms and on local channels in ACC markets. ACC schools will be able to customize the spots, which can run via digital or in-venue. Preacher, Austin, was the creative agency behind the campaign.