APESPN’s 12-year TV extension with the Rose Bowl and its conference tie-ins (Big Ten and Pac-12) is said to be worth $80 million annually. The only other postseason/alternating semifinal game expected to come close to that kind of payout was the yet-to-officially-be-named Champions Bowl between the Big 12 and SEC conference champions.
That’s reportedly come to fruition. The Sports Business Daily reports Monday morning that the Champions Bowl will also receive $80 million annually from its new broadcast partner, ESPN, through 2026. During Big 12 media days last week, commissioner Bob Bowlsby (pictured) said he anticipated TV rights and hosting site details to be ironed out in the next several weeks.
The news means the WWL would have broadcast rights for two major postseason games, and is “closing in” on the rights for the three-game playoff package. ESPN will also have a good shot at the Orange Bowl. Talks between the ACC and Notre Dame on the Irish becoming a tie-in opponent have already taken place.
As for Champions Bowl site bidding? That should be starting in earnest, and multiple reports indicate that Dallas is the favorite to land the game. In that case, it would almost certainly take on the Cotton Bowl title.
I guess $80 million a year makes it easy to forget that ESPN withheld evidence of child molestation within the Syracuse basketball program.
B1G & Pac12 Rose Bowl money ($80mil/year) is leaked.
Big12 & SEC Champs Bowl money ($80mil/year) leaked.
ACC Orange Bowl money is a mystery.
Coincidence? I think not.
Jesse Palmer and Lou Holtz, live from Jerry World. Can college football get any more farcical?
What is the WWL? The radio station in NO?
Can’t believe the Fiesta Bowl & Sugar Bowl will get the finger for Jerry “glory hole” Jones. Hope for another ice storm.
I hope espn brings back Craig James and his SMU “degree” for intelligent and insightful commentary that he is not known for. These bowl games won’t be watchable without him!