ESPN has signed an eight-year extension deal with the NCAA, covering 40 championships, to the value of almost $1 billion.
The eight-year, $920 million deal will cover 21 college women championships and 19 men’s NCAA championships.
NCAA president Charlie Baker told the Sports Business Journal, “Over the past several years, ESPN has demonstrated increased investment in NCAA championships coverage, and the Association is pleased to continue to provide a platform for student-athletes to shine,” Baker said.
“Having one, multi-platform home to showcase our championships provides additional growth potential along with a greater experience for the viewer and our student-athletes.”
According to ESPN the following men’s sports will be covered: soccer, football (non-Football Bowl Subdivision), cross country, water polo, indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming and diving, wrestling, ice hockey, gymnastics, fencing, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis baseball and Division II and III basketball (other than the Division II title game.
In the women’s section soccer, field hockey, all divisions of volleyball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, swimming and diving, all divisions of basketball, ice hockey, bowling, gymnastics, fencing, beach volleyball, lacrosse, tennis, softball and water polo will be covered.
The new deal starts in September 2024.
