ESPN, Big South Agree to Three-Year Extension

The Big South Conference and ESPN have nailed down a new three-year television deal, which will expand the number of Big South games on ESPN networks through 2013.

Under the agreement, up to 14 events will air annually on an ESPN platform.  The Big South men’s basketball championship game will continue to air on either ESPN or ESPN2, while ESPNU will continue to be the television home of the Conference’s men’s basketball semifinals that first began in 2006.  In addition, two additional Big South events will air on ESPNU each year of the agreement.  The Conference will also gain new exposure on ESPN3.com, as the online platform will air exclusive Big South contests that will be determined on an annual basis, including three Conference football games this fall.

“We are pleased to extend our commitment to the Big South,” says Burke Magnus, SVP of college sports programming.  “The added coverage on ESPNU and ESPN3.com for the Big South and its fans provides additional exposure nationally and helps elevate our college sports content.”

“Over the years the Big South’s partnership with ESPN has not only allowed us to showcase our student-athletes and institutions on a national stage, but also to be on the cutting edge of sports television,” says Commissioner Kyle B. Kallander. “This contract extension will be no different as we will nearly triple the number of ESPN branded Big South events on an annual basis.  ESPN3.com has seen rapid growth and momentum in just this past year alone, and we are excited to be riding the wave by dedicating Big South games to ESPN’s live sports broadband network.  ESPN has been a wonderful friend of the Big South for many years, and we are grateful for their support.”