Overview:
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) will launch SWAC TV, a free streaming platform, on August 1, allowing fans to watch games across the league's 18 sports without needing a cable sports package. The platform will feature live events, original programming, sports talk shows, and podcasts, and will be available on major streaming devices. The launch marks the latest move by an HBCU athletic conference to expand its media presence beyond traditional broadcast partnerships.
Starting next month, fans of the Southwestern Athletic Conference will no longer need a cable sports package to watch their favorite teams compete.
On Aug. 1, the Southwestern Athletic Conference will launch SWAC TV, a free streaming platform set to broadcast games across the league’s 18 sports. The launch marks the latest move by an HBCU athletic conference to expand its media presence beyond traditional broadcast partnerships.
The debut will feature a football tripleheader on Aug. 30. Southern will visit Mississippi Valley State at 5 p.m. ET, followed by Langston vs. Grambling State and Texas Southern vs. Prairie View A&M, both scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m.
“The debut of SWAC TV is undoubtedly a game-changer for the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland.
Several collegiate conferences offer streaming platforms; however, most require subscriptions or cable access. SWAC TV’s open access gives the league’s teams broader visibility and consistent coverage across all sports.
“For the first time in history, our fans and supporters will have a high-quality, technologically advanced streaming platform solely dedicated to broadcasting live events and delivering high-definition, on-demand league content,” McClelland said.
The platform will feature live events, original programming, sports talk shows, and podcasts. It will be available on major streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google Play, and Android TV.
McClelland added that every football game in the conference’s portfolio will air on ESPN, HBCU GO, or SWAC TV.
A total of 45 games are scheduled to stream during the first season. The Turkey Day Classic—Tuskegee at Alabama State—will conclude football coverage on Nov. 27 at 3 p.m. ET.
“We’re excited to unveil it,” McClelland said. “But also, it will be an opportunity for our Olympic sports and our women’s sports to be seen on a national basis.”
The launch coincides with growing interest in HBCU athletics, particularly in football, where programs have attracted prominent coaches and upgraded facilities.