CBS, SEC Ink 15-year Pact

From SEC News Release:

CBS Sports has reached a historic 15-year contract extension with the Southeastern Conference to broadcast its football and basketball games, it was announced today by Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports and Mike Slive, Commissioner of the SEC.

In the new agreement, beginning with the 2009-10 season, CBS Sports continues to be the exclusive national network broadcaster of SEC home football games, including the SEC Championship Game. CBS Sports will showcase the top conference matchups each week of the package with the "SEC Game of the Week". The agreement also includes a prime time game and doubleheader opportunities. In addition, CBS Sports continues its coverage of SEC regular-season basketball.

"This landmark deal allows THE SEC ON CBS to continue to be a cornerstone of our fall programming for many years to come," said McManus. "The agreement provides CBS Sports with the opportunity to showcase the excitement, pageantry and rich traditions of the SEC across all CBS platforms. We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with one of the premiere conferences in the nation. "

"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. "The length of this deal is a testament to the great brand that THE SEC ON CBS has become."

"The Southeastern Conference is extremely pleased to extend its long-standing relationship with CBS Sports," added Slive. THE SEC ON CBS enables the conference to continue its unique full, national network exposure. We have enjoyed working with CBS Sports over the past 13 years and we are excited about our long-term future."

In addition to the broadcast rights on CBS Sports, this comprehensive long-team deal includes certain digital, internet, wireless, Video-on-Demand, data and enhanced highlight 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.