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ESPN to Air 7,000 College Baseball and Softball Games

2/4/2026

46 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

ESPN will broadcast over 7,000 college baseball and softball games in the 2026 season, including more than 100 on the SEC Network.
The SEC Network will cover the SEC Baseball Tournament and the SEC Softball Tournament, airing all games.
The season starts March 14, 2026, with Mississippi State against Arkansas.
Tennessee, ranked No. 3, will televise eight games, and LSU will have 12 network appearances with additional games on SEC Network+.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, the NCAA expanded its baseball tournament from 64 to 68 teams, enhancing participation and broadcasting opportunities, particularly for networks like ESPN. This change reflects a broader trend of increasing commercialization in college sports, especially within the Southeastern Conference, which has seen significant growth in visibility and revenue, paralleling the ongoing realignment of athletic conferences since 2010.

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Story summary

ESPN will broadcast over 7,000 college baseball and softball games in the 2026 season, including more than 100 on the SEC Network.
The SEC Network will cover the SEC Baseball Tournament and the SEC Softball Tournament, airing all games.
The season starts March 14, 2026, with Mississippi State against Arkansas.
Tennessee, ranked No. 3, will televise eight games, and LSU will have 12 network appearances with additional games on SEC Network+.

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