ESPN extends Rose Bowl deal 12 years

Pac-12 • ESPN outlets to run game through 2026.

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The worldwide leader will have New Year's roses well into the next decade.

ESPN has reached a 12-year extension with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Big Ten and the Pac-12 Conference to continue broadcasting the Rose Bowl Game. The agreement begins in January 2015 and will include rights to the game across ESPN's platforms through 2026. Each year, the Big Ten and Pac-12 champions will play on January 1 at 2 p.m. PST (or on January 2 in years when January 1 is a Sunday).

The news was announced today by ESPN president John Skipper, ESPN President, Rose Bowl management committee chair Libby Wright, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott. ESPN will have the rights to the Rose Bowl Game each year regardless of how the postseason bowl rotation is determined within college football's new playoff. Two seasons of the current BCS Championship structure remain, and ESPN's previous eight-year deal with the Rose Bowl includes the 2014 title game.

ESPN (or ABC) has televised the Rose Bowl Game since 1989.

"The Rose Bowl Game is one of sport's most meaningful and celebrated events," Skipper said. "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."