ESPN Reaches 12-Year Deal with SEC and Big 12 for Sugar Bowl

http://sportsmediajournal.com/ ESPN announced today it has reached a 12 year contract with the SEC and the Big 12 conferences for the Sugar Bowl. The deal begins in January 1, 2015 with the inaugural game between the two conference champions, and includes rights to the Sugar Bowl across ESPN’s platforms through 2026. ESPN will have the rights to the Sugar Bowl each year no matter what is determined to be the exact post-season bowl rotation as part of the future format. “Given the history of excellence by teams in the SEC and Big 12, we recognized the value in securing long-term rights to the Sugar Bowl,” said John Skipper, ESPN President, “The matchup will provide college football fans with a memorable way to start the New Year on ESPN’s many platforms.” “The matchup between the SEC and the Big 12 in the Sugar Bowl on ESPN creates a new tradition for college football fans on New Year’s Night,” said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, ‘We are very excited about this new venture and look forward to competing against the Big 12 in the Sugar Bowl on ESPN.” “ESPN has a rich post-season college football history, said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, ”The long-term commitment of our partners from ESPN, the SEC, and the Sugar Bowl to this game assures its stature as a marquee event among college athletics.” Paul Hoolahan, Chief Executive Officer, Sugar Bowl, said, “The Sugar Bowl is delighted to extend our partnership with ESPN to present this stellar game between top representatives of two perennial powerhouse conferences.”