The Horizon League and ESPN have inked a multi-year, multi-platform renewal that keeps the Midwestern conference firmly inside ESPN’s ecosystem. The extension gives fans more ways to watch Horizon League games across the ESPN App, ESPN+, and linear channels.
Under the new agreement, at least 500 Horizon League events will stream annually on the ESPN App. This continues a 38-year relationship between the two organizations dating back to 1988. ESPN networks will still air the men’s basketball semifinals and championship. while carrying six regular-season games and the women’s title game. The Indianapolis-based conference currently has 11 members, but will expand to 12 on July 1, 2026, when Northern Illinois joins. The deal keeps ESPN as a major exposure engine for the conference and includes sponsorship opportunities for member schools.
“ESPN is excited to continue its commitment to the Horizon League. This new agreement underscores our dedication to showcasing the success of Horizon League student‑athletes and member institutions, while expanding the reach of their stories to sports fans across our platforms. Our relationship with the conference has grown steadily over the years, and we are eager to strengthen that as our collaboration enters its fourth decade,” said ESPN Director of Programming and Acquisitions Mallory Kenny in a statement.
“We are thrilled to continue to provide major experiences for our incredible student-athletes through our continued relationship with ESPN. The significant exposure on ESPN’s platforms provides us a tremendous opportunity to showcase our nearly 4,000 student-athletes in great competition throughout the year,” said Horizon League Interim Commissioner Chris Neuman.
With over 47,000 annual live events streaming on the ESPN apps, this renewal reaffirms ESPN’s investment in mid-major sports. For over a decade, ESPN’s digital platforms have hosted the League’s streaming events, and this extension widens access for alumni and out-of-market fans. With key regular-season and championship games remaining on linear TV, fans can find them without an additional paywall. Showcasing the conference’s biggest moments on national TV and its growing digital platforms, the bump helps recruiting, sponsorships, and local fan engagement.
The renewal keeps the Horizon League firmly in the spotlight while reinforcing ESPN as the go-to destination for fans who want access to mid-major college sports across their favorite device and traditional TV.