Rose Bowl Game On ESPN To Continue For 12 More Years

The Rose Bowl game will be shown exclusively by ESPN for the next 12 years as the network and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses have reached signed a 12-year extension.

ESPN reports that the agreement begins in January 2015, and will include rights to the annual Big Ten and Pac-12 Conference game, across all ESPN platforms through 2026.

USA Today reports that ESPN president John Skipper stated:

“The Rose Bowl Game is one of sport’s most meaningful and celebrated events. Extending our relationship long term with such a prestigious brand will play a significant role in the way fans continue to define ESPN – as the leading destination for college football all year long.”

The news was announced by Skipper, Libby Wright (Chair of the Rose Bowl Management Committee), Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, and Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott on Thursday.

ESPN reports that Delany said during the announcement that:

“We’re excited that the Rose Bowl Game will continue to be featured on ESPN through 2026. The Big Ten and Pac-12 have a tremendous history of exciting matchups on New Year’s Day in Pasadena that dates back more than a century. We look forward to continuing the great tradition of featuring the Rose Bowl Game on ESPN, which has been a Big Ten partner since launching in 1979.”

Larry Scott added that:

“As we usher in the new era of a college football playoff, it is gratifying to know that the Rose Bowl will continue to be the premier Bowl game in college football. With the signing of this landmark long-term broadcast agreement with ESPN, the history, tradition and success of the Rose Bowl Game will be assured for many years to come.”

Do you think that ESPN retaining the rights to the Rose Bowl game will help them keep their ratings up?