ESPN To Televise Rose Bowl Game Through 2026

http://sportsmediajournal.com/ ESPN and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses have announced a 12-year extension during which the network will continue to televise the Rose Bowl Game through the year 2026. The extension begins in January of 2015 and the games will be played January 1 at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT (or on January 2 in years when January 1 is a Sunday) and will feature the champions from the Big Ten and Pac-12. Important to this announcement is that even if the Rose Bowl is one of the games as part of the new college football playoff system, ESPN still retains the rights to the telecast. This, in effect, ensures ESPN will likely not be shut-out of televising a portion of the college football playoffs when it goes into effect in the 2014 season. As part of the deal ESPN will showcase the Rose Bowl Game on television, ESPN Radio, ESPN Mobile TV and on smartphones, tablets, online and on Xbox LIVE via WatchESPN. Additionally, ESPN has secured rights to distribute the Rose Bowl Game on ESPN 3D and around the world through ESPN International. “The Rose Bowl Game is one of sport’s most meaningful and celebrated events,” said John Skipper, ESPN President. “Extending our relationship long term with such a prestigious brand will play a significant role in the way fans continue to define ESPN – as the leading destination for college football all year long.” “The Tournament of Roses is thrilled to extend our agreement with ESPN to broadcast the Rose Bowl Game. Since 1989, the Rose Bowl Game has witnessed tremendous success with our partners at ESPN, which includes year-round, multi-platform promotion,” said Libby Wright, Chair of the Rose Bowl Management Committee. “ESPN is truly the leader in sports and its support of our brand and product over the years has strengthened our position in post-season college football. As we prepare for the 100th Rose Bowl Game in 2014, we look forward to new beginnings with a partner we consider family and continuing to showcase to the world the passion, strength, tradition and honor unique to our game.”