CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference and the Department of the Air Force announced a newly formed sponsorship agreement, positioning the Department of the Air Force as a league sponsor of the ACC and the presenting sponsor of ACC Huddle’s Saturday programming on the ACC Network. The sponsorship is part of a new agreement between the ACC, the Department of the Air Force, and Disney Advertising.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome the Department of the Air Force as an official sponsor of the ACC,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “The Air Force represents an extraordinary commitment to service, leadership and excellence – values that align strongly with the ACC and our 18 member institutions. We are especially excited to have the Air Force serve as the presenting sponsor of ACC Huddle on ACC Network, creating a prominent platform to showcase this partnership throughout the football season. We are grateful to Disney Advertising and ESPN for their collaboration and efforts in bringing this to life.”
“Working with the ACC and Disney Advertising allows the Department of the Air Force to connect with a dynamic, highly motivated collegiate audience,” said MSgt Walker, Department of the Air Force Marketing Partnership team. “Just like the elite athletes on the field, our Airmen rely on elite training, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched teamwork to win. We look forward to bringing the excitement of the Air Force directly to ACC campuses and sharing how young leaders can launch meaningful, high-tech careers in service to our nation.”
The agreement between the ACC and the Department of the Air Force kicks off this fall and includes:
- Department of the Air Force becomes the exclusive presenting sponsor of ACC Huddle’s Saturday morning broadcasts on the ACC Network (10-noon ET).
- A presenting sponsorship of a weekly College Football Halftime Report on the ACC Network and a weekly Men’s and Women’s Basketball window on the ACC Network.
- Department of the Air Force activations at the ACC Football Championship Game, the ACC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, and ACC Baseball Championship.
- Season-long social campaigns on ESPN’s college football handles.
As the presenting sponsor of ACC Huddle’s Saturday programming, the Department of the Air Force will also establish an activation space within the ACC Huddle on campus footprint. The addition further elevates the on-campus fan experience of the weekly ACC Huddle, which is broadcast live from ACC campuses hosting the premier ACC Football game each week.
Throughout the 2026 season, the Department of the Air Force and ACC Huddle will collaborate on a series of unique programming integrations and special features designed to highlight DAF capabilities and the lives of Airmen in engaging ways. These collaborative segments and on-campus activations will be featured at select stops throughout the season.
The team behind ACC Huddle shares a deep, personal appreciation for the military community, with multiple members of the broadcast talent crew having close family who have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces.
About the ACC
The ACC, in its 74th year and 18 members strong, stands as one of the most competitive and revered intercollegiate conferences in the nation. ACC members including Boston College, Cal, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, Pitt, SMU, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest are dedicated to upholding the league's founding values of academic excellence, athletic competition at the highest level, and integrity. The ACC supports 28 NCAA sports, with 15 for women and 13 for men, and its member institutions span 12 states. In August 2019, the ACC and ESPN partnered to launch ACC Network (ACCN), a 24/7 national network exclusively devoted to ACC sports and original programming. For more information, visit theACC.com and follow the ACC on Instagram (@accsports), Twitter (@theACC) and Facebook (facebook.com/theACC).
About The Department of the Air Force
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win… airpower anytime, anywhere. As a highly sophisticated, tech-focused service branch, the Air Force offers more than 130 diverse career paths spanning aviation, engineering, cyber operations, medicine, and support specialties. Through world-class training and a culture of innovation, the Air Force develops resilient leaders who safeguard global security and push the boundaries of technology. For more information on career opportunities and pathways to service, visit goairforce.com.
About Disney Advertising
Disney Advertising is responsible for advertising sales and integrated marketing for The Walt Disney Company’s entertainment and sports offerings through linear, digital, social, audio and ad-supported streaming businesses. This includes ABC, ABC News, Disney+, Disney Channels Worldwide, Disney Digital, ESPN Networks, ESPN+, Freeform, Fubo, FX, National Geographic, Hulu, and its eight ABC-owned local stations.