How to Watch ACC Network (ACCN) Without Cable

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ACC Network is accessible through five live TV streaming services: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. Each service includes ACC Network in their channel lineups, but some may require an add-on package.

Launched in 2019, ACC Network (ACCN) offers extensive coverage of the Atlantic Coast Conference, spotlighting college football and basketball. It’s a key part of the ESPN network family, showcasing over 1,300 events annually plus original content.

ACC Network: Free trials, price, and key sports channels

The cheapest way to get ACC Network in 2024 is through Sling TV with the Sports Extra add-on, which totals $51 per month. Sling regularly features introductory pricing for the first month of service.

ServiceFree TrialPriceKey Sports Channels
DIRECTV STREAM5 daysStarts at $79.99/moESPN, with Sports Pack: ACC Network + 22 other sports channels
Fubo7 daysStarts at $79.99/moACC Network, NFL Network, Big Ten Network, Sports Plus bundle for national feed
Hulu + Live TV3 days$76.99/moACC Network, ESPN, local broadcasts, Disney+ and ESPN+ included
Sling TVNoneStarts at $40/moACC Network (with Sports Extra/$11 per mo.), ESPN, HGTV
YouTube TV7 days$72.99/moACC Network, ESPN networks, and more

How to Watch ACC Network and ACCNX Without Cable

For cord-cutters, live TV streaming services are the best route to ACC Network and its digital sibling ACC Network Extra (ACCXN).

ACC Network can be found under the channel lineup of a live TV streaming service such as YouTube TV or Fubo. Streaming ACCNX live requires you to activate the ESPN app using your TV subscription credentials. 

This guide gives a comprehensive overview of how to watch ACC Network and ACCNX on Smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV.

Fans of ACC football and basketball games will likely want other channels too for comprehensive coverage. You should consider which streaming services include channels such as CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. Sports fans also need local NBC, CBS, FOX, and ABC stations. 

Moving away from traditional providers like DIRECTV, DISH, Spectrum, or Charter saves money. According to Kiplinger, the average Comcast bill will be $129 per month this year.

What Does ACC Network Offer?

Since August 2019, ACC Network has delivered exclusive live coverage of Atlantic Coast Conference sports. Its digital extension, ACC Network Extra (ACCNX), available on ESPN.com and the ESPN app, includes ACC events not aired on TV. These ACCNX streams are simulcast on ESPN+.

ACC Network provides year-round programming dedicated to a competitive conference. It features 40 regular season football games, NCAA Men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, women’s gymnastics, and Men’s lacrosse, with simulcasts on ESPN+. The network also covers women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s soccer, and field hockey.

The ACC comprises teams like Boston College Eagles, Clemson Tigers, and more, emphasizing a wide array of sports beyond football and basketball.

The football teams within the Atlantic Coast Conference are:

  • Boston College – B.C. Eagles
  • Clemson — Clemson Tigers
  • Duke University — Blue Devils
  • Florida State — Seminoles
  • Georgia Tech — Yellow Jackets
  • University of Louisville — Louisville Cardinals
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Rameses
  • NC State University — Wolfpack
  • University of Miami — The Hurricanes
  • University of Pittsburgh — Panthers
  • Syracuse University — Syracuse Orange
  • University of Virginia — Virginia Cavaliers
  • Virginia Tech — Hokies 
  • Wake Forest University – Demon Deacons

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM offers ACC Network in its Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate plans. 

The Entertainment plan costs $79.99 per month with the Sports Pack is the least expensive path to watching ACC Network on DIRECTV STREAM. This entry-level plan has over 75 channels, including ESPN and local broadcasts from NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX.

directv stream local channels
(photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Entertainment$79.99/month75+
Choice$108.99/month105+
Ultimate$119.99/month140+
Premier$164.99/month150+
Simultaneous Streams: Unlimited
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes

Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia.

The DIRECTV STREAM Sports Pack costs $14.99 per month. It adds ACC Network and 22 other sports channels into your home. The Choice plan includes ACC Network with over 105 channels for $108.99. This package adds ESPNU, MLB Network, NBA TV and SEC Network.   

The Ultimate package has more than 140 channels, including NHL Network, Discovery Family Channel and Discovery Life.  

DIRECTV STREAM subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage and access to 40,000 on-demand titles, with the flexibility of watching on unlimited screens at home.

Fubo

Fubo includes ACC Network and a variety of ESPN networks across its Pro, Elite, and Premier plans. The Pro plan costs $79.99 per month, offering 189 channels, including NFL Network and Big Ten Network. 

The Elite plan is $89.99 per month, and has 65 more sports, news and entertainment channels. The Premier plan has 231 channels, including Showtime, for $99.99 per month.

fubotv-channels
(photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Pro$79.99/month188
Elite $89.99/month255
Premier$99.99/month264 w/ Paramount+ with Showtime
Simultaneous Streams: 10
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes

Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.

Sports fans take note: ACC Network coverage on Fubo has in-market coverage for Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. For ACC Network’s national feed, you will need the Sports Plus bundle. The Sports Plus bundle adds 26 more channels and costs $10.99 per month.

Fubo’s unique “look back” feature allows catching up on missed games, and with 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, you’re set for any sport or show.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV includes ACC Network, ESPN, and over 90 other channels for $76.99 per month. This plan now bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ adding a wider variety of live pro and college sports.

It’s one of the best ways to watch ACC Network because you’re getting a full suite of ESPN Networks and other channels that cover college football and basketball. ABC, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and The CW are scheduled to show ACC football games during the 2024 season.

(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$76.99/month90+
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$89.99/month90+
Simultaneous Streams: 2
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: Yes

Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.

Having both ACC Network and ESPN+ also gives you a way to get programming from ACC on-demand. Subscribers get unlimited DVR storage and the ability to stream on two screens simultaneously. Hulu has local coverage with ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX, and NBC nationwide.

Sling TV

Sling TV’s Orange plan includes ACC Network through the Sports Extra package at $51 per month. 

The Orange plan features about 32 channels, including ESPN and HGTV. Sling Blue, alternatively, offers a different set of 40 channels. The Sports Extra add-on package costs $11 per month, and adds channels such as NBA TV, SEC Network, and MLB Network.

watch-nfl-games
Sling TV is an inexpensive option for ESPN. (Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Orange$40/month32
Blue$40/month41 (Locals included)
Orange + Blue$55/month88
Simultaneous Streams: 1 (Orange plan); 3 (Blue plan)
Cloud DVR Storage: 50 hours
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes (limited markets, Blue plan)

Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.

Sling TV is getting more attention this season because of its new 4K streaming in a limited number of cities. For now, you need to include Sling Blue as part of your subscription to get 4K streams.

The Sling Blue plan has sports networks such as NFL Network, FOX Sports 1, and FOX Sports 2 along with news and entertainment channels such as MSNBC, Discovery, truTV and FX.

All subscriptions include at least 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage. Sling has announced plans to offer live 4K coverage of college football, NFL, NBA, college basketball, MLB Postseason and U.S. Open Tennis. Only 4K supported Roku and Fire TV devices support Sling TV’s 4K streams.

I have been a Sling customer on and off over the years and they provide smooth streaming and crisp picture clarity at a budget price.

You can combine Orange and Blue for a comprehensive sports lineup at $55 per month. Subscribers can also activate the ESPN app for extended coverage.

Combining Orange and Blue for $55 provides a comprehensive viewing package.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers a single plan with 128 channels for $72.99 per month.

The YouTube TV base plan carries key sports channels for fans such as TNT, TBS, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, and MLB Network. YouTube TV carries regional NBC Sports networks across the U.S., but is missing other RSNs such as NESN and YES Network.

Despite those missing RSNs, YouTube TV is still one of the best sports streaming services for your money.

youtube-tv-channels
(photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
YouTube TV$72.99/month128
Simultaneous Streams: 3
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes

Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.

You’ll also be able to watch CNN, Golf Channel and FX. Unlimited Cloud DVR is included with a subscription. And you can create up to 6 profiles for a household per account.

NFL fans also have a couple of different options to get Sunday Ticket with or without YouTube TV.

Subscribers enjoy unlimited Cloud DVR, six user profiles, and a broad selection of sports, news, and entertainment channels. YouTube TV supports streaming on various devices, making it a versatile choice for households.

How do I watch ACC Network Extra (ACCNX)?

ACC Network Extra (ACCNX), distinct from ACC Network, is a digital platform accessible via the ESPN app. You can stream ACCNX live by activating the ESPN app with a cable TV or live TV streaming service plan. 

ACCNX streams additional college football games and a variety of other Atlantic Coast Conference sports that are not on the cable channel ACC Network. 

What streaming services have ACC Network?

ACC Network is available on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. After subscribing to a service, download its app and log in to start streaming with an Internet connection.

ACC Network ESPN app.
(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)

Is ACC Network on ESPN Plus?

ACC Network is not on ESPN Plus. However, ESPN Plus subscribers access a wide range of college football games across numerous conferences, but it doesn’t replace ACC Network. The service offers specialized coverage, including MLB, NHL, and UFC.

Can You Watch ACC Network on Amazon Prime?

No, ACC Network is not available on Amazon Prime. It is part of the ESPN family of networks, found on live TV streaming services and traditional cable and satellite providers.

Can I watch ACC Network on ESPN+ if I don’t have a cable subscription?

ESPN Plus subscribers can watch select simulcasts of ACC Network Extra (ACCNX), but not the cable network ACC Network. You need a live TV streaming service to watch ACC Network without cable. Options include: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.

What devices are compatible with ACC Network streaming?

Major brands such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV and a number of major Smart TVs support streaming ACC Network through the apps of live TV streaming services. 

How can I watch ACC Network for free without a trial period?

While there is no longer-term, cost-free way to watch ACC Network, about 15 percent of ACC Football games air on ABC and The CW during the 2024 season. You can watch those ACC games for free with a TV antenna. 

Are all ACC football and basketball games aired on ACC Network, or are some games exclusive to other channels?

Not all ACC sports are on ACC Network or ACCNX. ACC Network is owned by Walt Disney Company, which operates ABC and all ESPN Networks. Depending on the teams and sports, you could find a specific sporting event on any of those other channels. 

What are the long-term contract requirements for subscribing to a service that offers ACC Network?

Live TV streaming services such as Fubo, YouTube TV and others are known for offering no-contract subscriptions that are billed on a monthly basis. So unlike cable or satellite plans of the past, there are no contracts or long term obligations. 

Methodology

I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.

1 thought on “How to Watch ACC Network (ACCN) Without Cable”

  1. Hi Paul,

    Once you pick the streaming service you want to use (e.g. Hulu + Live TV) then you download the Hulu app and enter your username and password to start watching live TV channels. I hope that helps.

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