In the past 24 hours, ESPN officially announced deals to carry the Sugar and Orange Bowls through '26. This morning, ESPN formally announced a 12-year deal with the ACC that gives ESPN control of the Orange Bowl's media rights. Financial terms were not disclosed, but sources say ESPN has agreed to pay $55M per year for the Orange Bowl. The game will feature the ACC champion and an opponent from the SEC, Big Ten or Notre Dame. The deal is similar to the one announced late yesterday afternoon between ESPN, the SEC and Big 12 conferences for the Sugar Bowl. ESPN picked up the Sugar Bowl's media rights for $80M per year, sources said. The game will be aired in primetime on Jan. 1 in New Orleans. Both deals grant ESPN extensive media rights, including TV, radio, mobile, 3D and int'l. The deals follows ESPN's 12-year agreement for the Rose Bowl, which was previously announced. Sources say ESPN is paying $80M per year for the Rose Bowl. 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.
