ESPN Extends Rose Bowl Deal Through 2026
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Amidst the rising talks of the adoption of a college football playoff system, ESPN signed a 12-year extension with the Rose Bowl Game.
The agreement with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Big Ten Conference and the Pac-12 Conference begins in January 2015 and will include rights to the annual Rose Bowl Game across ESPN’s platforms through 2026. Financial details have not yet been disclosed.
Each year, the game will be played January 1 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT (or on January 2 in years when January 1 is a Sunday).
“The Rose Bowl Game is one of sport’s most meaningful and celebrated events,” said ESPN president John Skipper. “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.”
Whatever is determined to be the exact post-season bowl rotation as part of the future format, ESPN will have the rights to the Rose Bowl Game each year. The previous eight-year Rose Bowl deal has two more seasons remaining (2013 Rose Bowl Game, 2014 Rose Bowl Game and 2014 BCS National Championship) within the current post-season structure. ESPN (or ABC) has televised the Rose Bowl Game since 1989.
“As we usher in the new era of a college football playoff, it is gratifying to know that the Rose Bowl will continue to be the premier Bowl game in college football,” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said. “With the signing of this landmark long-term broadcast agreement with ESPN, the history, tradition and success of the Rose Bowl Game will be assured for many years to come.”
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.
“We’re excited that the Rose Bowl Game will continue to be featured on ESPN through 2026,” Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said. “The Big Ten and Pac-12 have a tremendous history of exciting matchups on New Year’s Day in Pasadena that dates back more than a century. We look forward to continuing the great tradition of featuring the Rose Bowl Game on ESPN, which has been a Big Ten partner since launching in 1979.”
