SEC, CBS extend broadcast deal

By News Sentinel staff

Originally published 12:43 p.m., August 14, 2008
Updated 12:43 p.m., August 14, 2008

The SEC has reached a 15-year contract extension with CBS Sports to continue broadcasting football and basketball games, both parties announced Thursday.

In the new agreement, beginning in 2009-10, CBS continues as the exclusive national network broadcaster for SEC home football games, including the SEC Championship games and SEC Game of the Week. The pact includes prime-time games and double-header opportunities.

In addition, CBS Sports continues its coverage of regular-season SEC basketball, plus certain digital, Internet, wireless, Video-on-Demand, data and enhanced highlight rights across all CBS platforms.

The league’s TV deals with ESPN, Raycom Sports and FSN South expire after the academic year. Commissioner Mike Slive has said the SEC’s options include an SEC Network similar to ones started by the Mountain West and Big Ten conferences and the NFL.

SEC spokesman Charles Bloom said the league continues to explore its options.

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