ESPN is set to gain rights to broadcast the US Bowl Championship Series (BCS) football tournament, after the only rival bidder, Fox Sports, pulled out. ESPN has offered USD500m for the multiplatform rights to the college football competition, compared to Fox Sports' USD400m bid.
News Corp's Fox Sports said earlier this week it will not match ESPN's offer. The Disney-owned channel would not comment on the move but media reports suggest it could make an announcement as early as this week. If the deal is confirmed, ESPN would acquire TV, radio and digital rights to the BCS for four seasons starting in 2011. In comparison, current rights owner Fox Sports paid USD330m for the four-year rights to 2010.
A deal would come days after ESPN secured international rights to broadcast the British Open golf tournament for an undisclosed sum. The eight-year deal will include 40 hours of live streaming every year on ESPN's web and mobile platforms, as well extended highlights. ESPN is received by 98m households in the US, according to company data.
StrategyEye's related companies: The Walt Disney Company, News Corporation, Fox Sports Net Bay Area, ESPN
