ESPN Will Air College Football Playoffs for 12 Years

With ESPN securing long-term deals to telecast the Sugar, Rose, and Orange Bowls, it was expected that the network would play a large role in televising the college football playoffs when they begin at the end of the 2014 season.  That news came today.

ESPN announced it has reached an agreement with the group that will eventually administer the college football playoff system to telecast the semi-finals and championship games for 12 years beginning in January of 2015.  The deal also includes coverage of  other bowl games that will be part of the rotation to host the semifinals.

The deal is multi-platform in nature, where ESPN can feature the games on ESPN, ESPN Radio, ESPN Mobile TV and via WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets and Xbox LIVE. Additionally, ESPN would have the rights to distribute the matchups on ESPN 3D, ESPN Deportes and around the world via ESPN International.

“Because of college football’s widespread popularity and the incredible passion of its fans, few events are more meaningful than these games,” ESPN President John Skipper said. “We are ecstatic at the opportunity to continue to crown a college football champion on ESPN’s outlets for years to come, the perfect finale to our year-round commitment to the sport.”

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with ESPN for 12 more years.” said Bill Hanock,  Executive Director of the BCS and the future college football playoff, “ESPN’s outlets provide numerous opportunities to bring this iconic event to the fans. Folks are going to love this playoff and the attention ESPN will give to it.”