ESPN And NCAA Set New 8-Year Media Rights Deal Worth $920M, Extending College Sports Run That Began In 1979

deadline.com:

ESPN and the NCAA have agreed to an 8-year media rights deal, extending a run for college sports that began in 1979 when the all-sports cable network was in its infancy.

The pact, which takes effect September 1, was valued at $920 million in multiple media reports. ESPN declined to comment on the financial terms when contacted by Deadline.

The new contract includes rights to 21 women’s and 19 men’s championships and exclusives for all rounds in sports like women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s gymnastics, softball, baseball and FCS football.

Division II and Division III coverage will be expanded under the new agreement. Men’s championships covered by the deal include soccer, football (FCS, DII & DIII), cross country, water polo, indoor track & field, swimming & diving, wrestling, ice hockey, gymnastics, fencing, volleyball, lacrosse, outdoor track & field, tennis, baseball and basketball (including DII semifinals & DIII semifinals and championship).