ESPN said a transmission issue caused streaming problems that left Arizona State fans unable to watch much of the second half of the Sun Devils’ win over Northern Arizona. The game, shown on ESPN+ under the Big 12 deal, experienced interruptions starting early in the second half, including during a 54-yard touchdown run by Sam Leavitt. An ESPN spokesperson said, “A transmission issue late Saturday evening affected multiple ESPN+ feeds. We are looking into the cause to mitigate future impacts,” according to ABC15.
The broadcast disruption left fans with only commercial breaks airing clearly from ESPN’s Connecticut hub. Arizona State, which had previously won the Big 12 Conference title and reached the College Football Playoff, had sold out a home opener for the first time since 1998. The glitch frustrated fans and players, with athletic director Graham Rossini saying, "Very sorry for this and rest assured we are in touch with the Big 12 and ESPN on this issue. We have to be better for our fans and our program. I do apologize," as reported by AP News.
Former ASU running back and current New York Giants rookie Cam Skattebo reacted to streaming problems, writing, "Maybe #11 nationally ranked gets a main stream @espn ???? I need to watch my boys," as mentioned by ABC15. Arizona State’s next games will be easier to watch, with Mississippi State on ESPN2 next Saturday, Texas State on September 13 on TNT, and TCU on September 26 on Fox.
