The Summit League has taken significant steps to enhance its media presence by extending its partnerships with CBS Sports and Midco Sports. These expanded agreements, announced on June 16, 2026, will run through the 2029-30 academic year, covering four seasons of Summit League competition. The new deals aim to increase the number of games on national TV and provide additional post-game digital rights, offering fans a richer viewing experience.
Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton expressed enthusiasm about the extensions, highlighting the unique combination of both relationships. “These expansions allow the League to broaden linear and digital distribution to a broad audience, maximize financial benefit to the membership, maintain flexibility for institutions and their local linear partners, and deliver curated fan experiences,” Fenton stated. Both partners have played a crucial role in growing the Summit League’s brand over the past three years, and the League looks forward to continuing this collaboration.
Enhanced Television Coverage with CBS Sports
The expanded four-year term with CBS Sports will see an increase in the number of regular season games aired on CBS Sports Network rising from a minimum of seven to nine. This includes a guarantee of two women’s basketball regular season contests. Additionally, the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship title games and selected semifinals will also air on CBS Sports Network.
Bess Barnes VP of Programming at CBS Sports, shared her excitement about the extended partnership. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Summit League. We look forward to airing more regular season games on CBS Sports Network than ever before and showcasing Summit League postseason action, highlighted by the Men’s and Women’s Championship games,” Barnes said. This expansion ensures that more fans will have access to Summit League games, enhancing the
Innovative Digital Features with Midco Sports
The partnership with Midco Sports brings a variety of product enhancements and broader reach to the Summit League Network. Starting on July 16, 2026, SLN subscribers will be able to use the new My Clips feature to clip, save, and share their favorite highlights. Fans will also benefit from international expansion, making Summit League competition available to fans around the world. Additional features include a new schedule page with sorting and favoriting capabilities, and significantly improved self-account management for a more personalized experience.
The partnership positions the Summit League Network as a distinctive offering in the Division I landscape, allowing the League to continue building a branded network while retaining control of content. This control enables further monetization and the provision of more customized fan experiences. Additional enhancements will be rolled out throughout the summer and fall, including multi-game viewing and the addition of Samsung and LG app support, giving fans even more ways to follow their favorite teams and moments.
Jeannie Thurston SVP of Marketing & Sports at Midco, expressed pride in continuing as the official streaming home of the Summit League. “This extension reflects the strength of two well-established brands and our shared commitment to elevating the viewing experience through reliable streaming, meaningful innovation, and more ways for fans to engage with the moments that matter most,” Thurston said. The Summit League Network powered by Midco Sports Plus is available to fans worldwide, making it possible to watch the Summit League on various platforms, including mobile and tablet apps, connected TV device apps, and smart TVs.
The Summit League Basketball Championships men’s and women’s first-round games, quarterfinals, and select semifinals will continue to air on Midco Sports and Midco Sports Plus. The Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) assisted the League during the media rights analysis and negotiation process over the past year, ensuring a smooth and successful extension of these partnerships.
