College Conference Networks: Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Pac-12 Streaming

If you're trying to watch college football or basketball this season, you're not just picking a game-you're picking a network. The Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Pac-12 don’t just play games; they run their own TV channels, apps, and streaming services. And if you don’t know how they work, you’re either missing games or paying for stuff you don’t need.

What You’re Actually Paying For

It’s not just ESPN anymore. Back in 2020, the Pac-12 Networks were a mess-clunky apps, regional blackouts, no mobile access. Today? Things changed. The Pac-12 shut down its own network in 2024 after losing most of its member schools. Now, its games live on ESPN+ and local sports channels. But the Big Ten, SEC, and ACC? They still run their own platforms.

The Big Ten Network is a 24/7 sports channel owned by the Big Ten Conference, launched in 2007, and now available via streaming on ESPN+, Paramount+, and FuboTV. It’s the oldest and most established of the conference networks. You’ll find football, basketball, hockey, and even wrestling-all with original shows like Big Ten Tailgate and Inside the Big Ten.

The SEC Network is a cable and streaming channel owned by ESPN and the Southeastern Conference, launched in 2014, with over 600 live events per year, including exclusive football and basketball games not shown on ESPN. It’s not just games-it’s SEC Nation, the pregame show that travels to different campuses every week. If you’re into the culture of college football, this is where it lives.

The ACC Network is a dedicated channel launched in 2019, jointly operated by ESPN and the Atlantic Coast Conference. It broadcasts over 400 live events annually, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. It’s the most polished of the three, with studio production rivaling major networks.

Where to Watch Each Network in 2026

Here’s the real question: where do you actually find these channels today? The answer depends on your location, your provider, and whether you’re okay with bundling services.

Here’s the catch: if you want every single game from the Big Ten, SEC, or ACC, you need ESPN+. It’s the only place that carries all three networks under one subscription. The standalone SEC Network app? It’s gone. The ACC Network app? Also gone. Both now live inside ESPN+. Same with the Big Ten Network-its standalone app shut down in late 2024.

What About the Pac-12? It’s Gone. Here’s What Replaced It

The Pac-12 dissolved in 2024 after losing 10 of its 12 schools to other conferences. What’s left? A skeleton. The remaining games-mostly from Oregon, Washington, and a few others-are now split between ESPN+ and local broadcast partners.

If you’re in Seattle, you might catch Washington games on KIRO 7. In Oregon, KGW carries some football. But outside those markets? You’re stuck with ESPN+. No more Pac-12 Network. No more regional exclusivity. No more $10/month add-on. It’s all absorbed.

That’s why, in 2026, the Pac-12 doesn’t have a network anymore. It has a catalog. And that catalog lives on ESPN+.

How to Cut Costs Without Missing Games

You don’t need to pay for five streaming services. Here’s how to watch everything without overspending:

• If you care mostly about football, get ESPN+ ($10.99/month). It gives you the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Pac-12 games. You’ll miss a few local broadcasts, but 90% of the big games are covered.
• If you’re a basketball fan, ESPN+ still covers most conference games. But if your team plays on the ACC Network or Big Ten Network, you’ll need a live TV service like FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV ($75-$85/month) to catch the full schedule.
• If you’re in a Pac-12 market (Portland, Seattle, San Francisco), check your local broadcast stations. Some games are still on free TV-especially non-conference matchups.
• Don’t buy the standalone apps. They’re dead. The SEC Network app? Unavailable. ACC Network app? Gone. Big Ten Network app? Shut down. All are now inside ESPN+.

Pro tip: Use the ESPN app. It’s free. Just log in with your cable or streaming provider. If you’re on ESPN+, it’ll unlock all the conference games. No extra login. No extra cost.

Why This Matters Beyond the Game

This isn’t just about watching your team. It’s about control. The Big Ten, SEC, and ACC used to be happy letting ESPN handle everything. But in the last decade, they realized: if they run their own network, they keep the ad money, the data, and the power.

That’s why they built their own channels. That’s why they cut ties with cable providers. That’s why you now need ESPN+ to watch ACC basketball.

It’s a shift from broadcast to ownership. And if you’re not paying attention, you’ll end up paying twice-once for cable, once for streaming-just to watch your favorite team.

What’s Next? The Future of College Sports Streaming

By 2027, the Big Ten, SEC, and ACC will likely launch their own standalone streaming services. ESPN+ is just a middleman. The conferences want direct relationships with fans. That means apps with exclusive content, early access to tickets, and behind-the-scenes footage you can’t get anywhere else.

For now? ESPN+ is your best bet. It’s cheap. It’s reliable. And it’s the only place that gives you all four conferences under one roof. But don’t get used to it. The next move? The conferences will take it all back.