The Southern Conference and CBS Sports Expand Television Package

SPARTANBURG, SC – The Southern Conference (SoCon) and CBS Sports announced a multi-year extension of their media rights agreement, significantly expanding the conference’s national men’s basketball exposure and continuing a valued partnership through the 2031-32 season.

Beginning in 2026-27, CBS Sports Network will televise 10 Southern Conference regular-season men’s basketball games annually, doubling the previous annual commitment and further elevating the league’s national linear presence. The extended agreement ensures consistent national exposure for SoCon men’s basketball across one of the country’s leading sports television platforms. As the long-time broadcast home of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, CBS brings its nationally recognized basketball platform that aligns with the SoCon’s tradition of excellence and March Madness success.

“This extension with CBS Sports represents a significant step forward in the continued growth and visibility of Southern Conference men’s basketball,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “By doubling our annual national linear exposure on CBS Sports Network, we are creating greater opportunities for our student-athletes, enhancing the profile of our member institutions, and reinforcing the strength and momentum of our league. We value our partnership with CBS Sports and look forward to building on this collaboration in the years ahead.”

The renewed partnership reinforces the SoCon’s long-term media stability and strengthens its multi-network national distribution strategy.  The SoCon and CBS Sports will work together to target unique television windows that maximize visibility. In combination with the conference’s broader media portfolio, the agreement guarantees SoCon men’s basketball a significant and sustained presence on national linear television throughout the year.

Expanded National Showcase for SoCon Men’s Basketball

Under the extension, CBS Sports Network will continue to feature marquee regular-season matchups, showcasing the depth and competitive strength of SoCon men’s basketball. The expanded slate provides additional opportunities for student-athletes and member institutions to compete on a national stage while offering fans consistent access to premier conference contests.

The agreement runs through the conclusion of the 2031-32 men’s basketball season, aligning with the conference’s broader long-term media strategy and ensuring continuity across key broadcast partnerships.

The SoCon retained TrailRunner Sports to advise on the negotiation.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes 10 member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College. Tennessee Tech University will join the SoCon as a full member on July 1, 2027.

ABOUT CBS SPORTS NETWORK

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports, is widely available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. Additionally, a live CBS Sports Network stream is available through CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App by authenticating with select providers. For more information, including a full programming schedule, go to  www.cbssportsnetwork.com .