[Coach_Owens87]

The CBS-SEC partneship that was set to expire at the end of this year was extended to 2023.

Excerpt from Scout.com

http://www.scout.com/a.z?s=143&p=2&c=779383




The Southeastern Conference and CBS Sports have agreed to extend their contract that was set to expire in 2008 through the 2023 season. While the financial numbers were not disclosed, it is expected to be huge.

The deal does not interfere with the Southeastern Conference from setting up it’s own sports network. Both entities have been in negations since January and appear to have found common ground.

CBS will continue to carry it’s mainstay in SEC Football and will air Men’s Basketball games. The new deal includes all broadcast, digital, internet, wireless; VOD - video-on-demand and EHR - enhanced highlight rights across all CBS Sports Properties.

The new agreement, beginning with the 2009-10 season will see the network having rights to broadcast the SEC Football Championship game that is played annually on the first Saturday of December.

CBS has been the top broadcast partner of the SEC for the last 13 years, while broadcasting, “The SEC Game of the Week.” The new deal also pushes ESPN out the door in regards to first teams chosen.

ESPN previously had rights for several weekly games as first teams chosen that will now end in 2008. CBS will own all rights on all first game selections chosen for broadcasting beginning in 2009.

"This landmark deal allows “THE SEC ON CBS,” to continue to be a cornerstone of our fall programming for many years to come," said Sean McManus of CBS.

"The Southeastern Conference is proud to continue its association with CBS Sports," said Dr. Lee Todd, President of the University of Kentucky and the Southeastern Conference. "This national network agreement provides a unique platform to share both the athletic and academic achievements of the 12 member institutions."

"The SEC is the gold standard in college athletics, and we are proud to be associated with this great conference and its outstanding administrators, coaches and student-athletes," said Mike Aresco, Executive Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports.

In addition, rights across all CBS platforms, including CBS College Sports Network and CBSSports.com. Also, simulcasts of CBS Sports games will be available for distribution by the CBS College Sports Network.

"The Southeastern Conference is extremely pleased to extend its long-standing relationship with CBS Sports," says Conference Commissioner Mike Slive.

Thoughts?