ESPN has always prided itself on being a top destination for college sports coverage, so it’s no surprise that the network is going all-in on… the America East?
Per ESPN, the 11-year extension will result in an “unprecedented” number of America East events on ESPN, including the creation of a network called “AE on ESPN3,” which will broadcast online.
“This endeavor is yet another example of our institutions’ commitment to ensure their programs and this conference are well-positioned for the future,” America East commissioner Amy Huchthausen said. “Knowing that starting this season, we’ll see all of our home men’s and women’s basketball games on The AE on ESPN3, rather than just a select few as we’ve had in prior years, will be an enormous advantage to reach recruits, parents, alums and fans. I can’t wait to see how our institutions tell their story to a national audience every single night.”
This is an interesting move for ESPN. On one hand, this isn’t a huge investment, especially because schools will be responsible for their own on-campus production operations. On the other hand, it’s a long-term commitment to a conference most of America knows or cares little about, in an era of college sports re-alignment in which no conference is safe for even a couple years, let alone 11.
ESPN got its start almost 40 years ago by broadcasting college basketball games in the Northeast, and apparently the network remains committed to that legacy, for better or for worse.
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About Alex Putterman
Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.