ESPN Announces 12-Year Deal For Media Rights To Sugar Bowl

ESPN officially announced a 12-year deal with the SEC and Big 12 conferences this afternoon that gives ESPN control of the Sugar Bowl's media rights through '26. Financial terms were not disclosed. But sources say ESPN has agreed to pay $80M per year for the Sugar Bowl, which previously was called the Champions Bowl. It will be held in primetime Jan. 1 in New Orleans. ESPN's rights package includes TV, radio, mobile, 3D and international. The deal follows ESPN's 12-year deal for the Rose Bowl, which was previously announced. Sources say ESPN also is paying $80M per year for the Rose Bowl.

While there has been no official announcement on the Orange Bowl, sources say ESPN has reached an agreement to pay $55M per year for those rights. A formal announcement for the game could come in the next few weeks. ESPN also is reportedly close to a deal for the BCS playoffs for around $500M per year, which means ESPN will own college football's postseason for a total of $7.3B over 12 years.