SEC, ESPN Finalize Long-Term Deal
On Thursday the Southeastern Conference announced a 10-year partnership with ESPN to broadcast football and basketball games beginning in 2024.
The deal allows the SEC to broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network and SEC Network+. This deal ends a two decade partnership with the CBS network and gives more flexibility to the SEC and ESPN to choose game times.
Under the package, ESPN and ABC have rights to broadcast the15 best football matchups as well as eight marquee basketball games. In addition, ABC has rights to the SEC football championship game, which it will air in its traditional late-afternoon slot. And next year, the network can broadcast one nonconference football matchup on ESPN+ with each team.
“This new agreement was born from a strong foundation which began almost 25 years ago and now reflects a shared vision of the future with the SEC, Commissioner (Greg) Sankey and their member institutions,” Jimmy Pitaro, chairman, ESPN and sports content, said in a statement.
Terms were not disclosed, but ESPN’s annual fee is expected to be in the low $300 million range, according to Sports Business Journal.
“This is a significant day for the Southeastern Conference and for the future of our member institutions. Our agreement with ESPN will greatly enhance our ability to support our student-athletes in the years ahead and to further enrich the game day experience for SEC fans around the world,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in the release.
Stay tuned to Tide 100.9 for the latest updates and information on this historic deal.
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