ESPN, Players Era announce multiyear media rights deal
The deal comes after reports signaled Players Era was struggling to find a media rights partner that would pay its $50 million asking price.
The deal comes after reports signaled Players Era was struggling to find a media rights partner that would pay its $50 million asking price.
The new format will see 12 play-in games on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the first round.
The lead trio of Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, and Holly Rowe remain in place.
The SoCon will air on ESPN platforms through 2031-32.
No. 1 Michigan and No. 3 Duke are set to square off this weekend.
3.51 million viewers tuned in on ESPN.
Houston-Texas Tech will now start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday.
The sport has seen a 39% increase in viewership this year across CBS, Fox, and ESPN.
"Featuring women's games in primetime is now a revenue-neutral decision, which should continue to help exposure."
The deal will see him surpass 20 years at the Worldwide Leader.
"You can’t take 10 minutes away from talking about the backup quarterback on the Lions?"
The tournament is expanding to 32 teams next season.
Kantner officiated 26 Final Fours and 16 national championships.
The Big South and ESPN will have 40 years together at the end of the agreement.
A decision on NCAA Tournament expansion would need to be finalized "in the coming weeks" for 2026.
"He said the four words you love to hear. You are cancer-free, baby!"
While down from last year, this year's Sweet 16 was up 39% versus 2023.
The first round was down 22% versus last season, but up 43% versus 2023.
"We proposed immediately taking the tournament to 96 teams."
The telecast averaged 1.7 million viewers, the second-largest audience since 2005.
Only three of ESPN's first and second round teams remain the same as last year.
"It's been unbelievable. A tough three years, those four cancer battles that I don't wish on anybody. Cancer sucks."
"Florida is a team that can win a National Championship. I do not think Alabama can."
For the fourth year in a row, there will be a Bird & Taurasi Show altcast for the Women's Final Four and title game.