ESPN Secures Little League World Series Rights Through 2022

ESPN and Little League International have inked an eight-year multi-platform rights extension – effective 2015 through 2022 – which will make ESPN the exclusive U.S. rights holder of Little League International. Under the new deal, ESPN will enhance its multi-platform rights package, highlighted by the ability to televise every game from the U.S. Regionals and World Series of each of Little League International’s divisions, including Little League Baseball, Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, Junior League Baseball, Senior League Baseball, Big League Baseball, Little League Softball, Junior League Softball, Senior League Softball, and Big League Softball.

The multi-year extension continues one of the longest-standing relationships between a sports network and a rights holder, which dates back to 1963 when ABC began airing Little League programming.

“Little League is tremendous, family-friendly programming and a great showcase of what we love about sports – passion, competition and bringing communities together,” says Norby Williamson, Executive Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, ESPN. “We’re delighted to continue our rewarding collaboration with Little League International.”

Rights Summary

  • The rights to air every game from the U.S. Regionals and World Series of each of Little League International’s nine baseball and softball divisions;
  • Enhanced digital rights, including the ability to deliver every game on digital platforms including WatchESPN and ESPN3. (ESPN added 41 exclusive games to ESPN3 in 2013);
  • ABC will continue to broadcast the Little League Baseball World Series Championship Game, United States Championship Game and International Championship Game from Williamsport, Pa.;
  • ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 will continue to televise all 32 Little League World Series games live from Williamsport, Pa.;
  • In-progress highlight rights across all ESPN platforms;
  • ESPN International will continue to have the ability to air all games in Canada, Mexico, Latin America and South America, Australia and New Zealand.

 

 

 

 

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