Men’s Basketball Championship Returns to Primetime on ESPN/ESPN2
EDISON, NJ (March 7, 2025) — The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and ESPN unveiled a multiyear extension of their media rights agreement on March 6, 2025, promising greater visibility for student-athletes across the conference, including those at Iona University, a perennial powerhouse in MAAC basketball. The deal, effective from the 2025-26 academic year, will showcase MAAC events on ESPN’s linear channels—ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU—while streaming over 500 events annually on ESPN+ and the ESPN App.
A centerpiece of the agreement is the return of the MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship game to a primetime slot on ESPN or ESPN2, airing on Tuesday of Champ Week. Iona University, with its storied men’s basketball program, stands to benefit significantly from this national spotlight. The Gaels, frequent contenders for the MAAC title, will have an enhanced platform to showcase their talent. Meanwhile, the MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship will become a standalone event on Monday, airing on ESPNU or ESPN+, with semifinals and earlier rounds streaming on ESPN+.
“The extension with ESPN is a game-changer for the MAAC and schools like Iona,” said MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci. “This deal elevates our basketball championships and amplifies exposure for our Olympic sports, aligning with our mission to spotlight programs across the conference. The primetime slot for the men’s championship and the standalone women’s final will bring our teams, including Iona’s standout squads, to a broader audience.”
Iona University, located in New Rochelle, New York, has long been a cornerstone of the MAAC’s competitive landscape. The Gaels’ men’s basketball team has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and the increased exposure on ESPN platforms could further elevate the program’s profile. Beyond basketball, Iona’s student-athletes in sports like soccer, swimming, and track & field will also gain from the deal, with ESPN+ continuing to stream a wide range of MAAC events.
ESPN’s Mallory Kenny, Director of Programming and Acquisitions, emphasized the network’s long-standing ties with the MAAC. “We’re excited to build on decades of collaboration and bring the stories of MAAC student-athletes, including those at Iona, to fans nationwide,” she said.
The agreement also introduces the MAAC Women’s Lacrosse Championship to ESPNU in May 2025, while ESPN+ will remain the digital hub for sports like baseball, softball, and water polo. Since ESPN+ launched in 2018, MAAC schools, including Iona, have produced over 4,000 live events, a testament to the conference’s early adoption of digital platforms.
For Iona students beyond the playing field, the partnership offers hands-on opportunities in sports media production, providing real-world experience alongside ESPN professionals. “This collaboration not only showcases our athletes but also equips our students with skills for careers in broadcasting,” Tellitocci added.
The MAAC, now in its 44th year, includes 13 member institutions, with Iona University joined by Canisius University, Fairfield University, Manhattan University, Marist University, Merrimack College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.
Further details on the 2026 MAAC Basketball Championships schedule will be announced later. For updates, visit MAACSports.com or follow @MAACSports on social media.
