ESPN Secures Mountain West Rights

ESPN and the Mountain West have agreed in principle a deal that will see the broadcaster gain rights to select conference basketball and football games from 2013-14 to 2019-20.

Under the terms of the agreement, ESPN will gain exclusive worldwide rights to up to 16 Mountain West football games, as well as every Boise State home game. ESPN will also have the rights to up to 31 conference-controlled men’s basketball games a year. The deal includes the right to make games available to video subsribers via WatchESPN.

Burke Magnus, ESPN senior vice president of college sports, said: “It’s great to be back in business with the Mountain West. They are a deep, high quality and competitive conference.

“We look forward to once again showcasing the league’s institutions, student-athletes and compelling storylines across multiple sports and ESPN platforms.”

MWC commissioner Craig Thompson added: “The Mountain West and its member institutions are very pleased to be re-establishing a television partnership with ESPN.

“We had a very successful relationship during the first years of the Conference and have stayed connected over the years through our bowl agreements and other interactions. This new agreement is mutually beneficial and offers great promise for the seasons ahead.”