ESPN and Big South Conference Announce Multi-Year Extension of Media Rights Deal

The Big South Conference and ESPN have reached a six-year extension to its media rights deal that will see more than 800 conference events carried annually across ESPN networks, including ESPN's new direct-to-consumer offering, which is inclusive of ESPN+ and launched in August. The agreement runs through 2030-31 -- 40 years since the longstanding relationship began in 1991.

The extension provides continued linear coverage of the Big South's basketball championship games, as the men's championship game will air on either ESPN or ESPN2, with the women's championship contest to be carried on ESPNU. In addition, ESPNU will televise six events per season, including a minimum of four men's basketball "Wildcard" broadcasts on the network, and at least two additional linear opportunities on ESPNU or ESPNEWS are included. Additionally, the agreement allows the Big South to retain the rights to telecast up to 50 linear events per year locally in the Conference footprint, with those telecasts co-existing on ESPN+ as well.

Under the arrangement, ESPN+ will continue as the exclusive digital home of Big South Network productions and features regular season and Big South Championship broadcasts, including football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball and lacrosse, baseball, and softball. The Big South was one of the first collegiate conferences showcased on ESPN+ when the service launched in 2018.

"ESPN is proud to extend our long-standing relationship with the Big South Conference," said Mallory Kenny, ESPN Director of Programming & Acquisitions. "This agreement reflects ESPN's continued commitment to showcasing the achievements of Big South institutions and sharing their stories with viewers across our networks. We look forward to building upon three decades of history together and further elevating the Big South in the years ahead."

"I would like to extend immense gratitude to ESPN, particularly Nick Dawson and Mallory Kenny, for their continued support of the Big South Conference," said Big South Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery. "Our extended agreement is a testament to ESPN's strong commitment to our Conference, the compelling experiences of our student-athletes, and the competitive excellence that defines our sport programs -- especially in basketball. This enhanced partnership significantly elevates our brand visibility, recognition, and reputation on a national level. More importantly, it provides our student-athletes with a broader platform to compete, excel, and share their stories with a wider audience."

The Big South and ESPN have a relationship that spans multiple decades, dating back to the conference's first national broadcasts in 1991, new linear coverage in the early 2000s, and continuing through multiple media rights extensions, most recently in 2018 that first put Big South productions digitally on ESPN+.

Tag Garson of Excelsior Sports & Entertainment facilitated the Big South's negotiations of the partnership extension.

"It was a privilege to work with Commissioner Montgomery, her staff, and the administrators across the Conference," said Garson. "The Big South is well-positioned for much continued success, and this agreement enhances the Conference's positive momentum and the opportunities that are ahead."

All of ESPN. All in One Place.

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans within the ESPN App. Designed to give fans more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, the ESPN App provides a unique viewing experience that includes integrated game stats, multiview options, a synchronized two-screen feature, a vertical video feature called Verts and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as ESPN BET information, ESPN Fantasy sports, commerce, and more. These new features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a traditional pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

WHAT'S THE BIG SOUTH?

For more than 40 years, the Big South Conference has been an exemplary leader in college athletics since its founding in 1983, dedicated to developing student-athletes through the pursuit of excellence in the classroom, community and field of play. The league's growing presence as an NCAA Division I athletic conference is made evident by its multitude of athletic accomplishments, innovative marketing and media partnerships, increased television packages and most importantly, its commitment to fostering the academic, personal, social, athletic and leadership development of its student-athletes. Comprised of nine full member institutions sharing a common geographic region and similar academic values and purposes, the Big South's remarkable history of achievement is characterized by the league's 19 championship sports and the profound academic and life successes of its more than 3,200 student-athletes. This has evolved into the conference's "Where Winners Are Made" mantra as part of a strategic emphasis through its six Core Values of Academic Centrality; Athletic Excellence; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Integrity; Sportsmanship & Fair Play; and Student-Athlete Welfare.

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