In news that was quietly reported more than a week ago, ESPN has reportedly retained rights to the Orange Bowl.
Sports Business Journal reported earlier this month that ESPN has agreed to a 12-year, $55 million deal to televise the Orange Bowl. ESPN has already acquired rights to the Rose Bowl and the new ‘Champions’ Bowl.
Under the new college football playoff structure, the three bowls are expected to host half of the 24 semifinal round games from 2015 to 2026.
ESPN is currently in the midst of an exclusive negotiating window to acquire the remainder of the college football playoffs, including the other twelve semifinal games and all twelve national championship games.
If the Orange Bowl deal comes to fruition, ESPN will have committed $215 million annually for what amounts to a third of the college football playoffs. Currently, ESPN pays $155 million per year for the entire Bowl Championship Series (includes ABC’s current $30 million/year Rose Bowl deal).