Ohio Valley Conference Renewed Gray Media Partnership
The athletic conference has extended its broadcast agreement to cover sports events across 20 markets.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Volleyball
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The Ohio Valley Conference and Gray Media have signed a renewal agreement for the upcoming sports season. This deal will deliver expanded coverage of soccer and volleyball matches across eight states.
Why it matters
The partnership renewal builds on the success of the 2025-2026 academic season by securing continued regional broadcasting and national digital distribution. It ensures consistent viewership access for fans of the historic conference.
The agreement includes three men's soccer, three women's soccer, and four volleyball contests for the 2026-2027 season. These broadcasts reach 20 markets across eight states through regional networks.
The players
Ohio Valley Conference
Founded in 1948, this collegiate athletic conference sponsors a variety of sports teams across its member institutions.
Gray Media
This media company operates television stations and broadcast networks across numerous markets in the United States.
The details
Matches will be carried by the Tennessee Valley Sports & Entertainment Network and the Mid-South Sports & Entertainment Network. All contests are also set to be simulcast on ESPN+ without digital blackouts.
Timeline
The Ohio Valley Conference was founded in 1948.
The partnership follows a successful 2025-2026 academic season.
The new agreement covers the 2026-2027 season.
Soccer and volleyball broadcasts are scheduled for Fall 2026.
Season Trajectory
This deal secures a broader platform for conference athletics, directly influencing the visibility of programs as they compete for postseason positioning. The increased broadcast volume strengthens the conference's competitive profile within the regional sports ecosystem.
Fans can access these broadcasts through regional networks or the ESPN app with no digital blackouts for the listed contests. This agreement guarantees that Fall 2026 soccer and volleyball viewers have a reliable platform to follow their teams.
The takeaway
This partnership demonstrates the ongoing shift toward hybrid broadcasting models that leverage both regional television stations and national streaming platforms. Viewers should check the ESPN app to ensure they have the necessary access for the upcoming fall schedule.
What happens next
Gray Media will announce the full list of basketball contests and plans for spring sports coverage at a later date.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in collegiate athletics, explore the Volleyball section.
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