WCC Signs Extension With ESPN, Adds CBS Sports In New Media Rights Deal

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference -BYU’s conference home for most of their athletic department- continues to establish itself as one of the top mid-major conferences in men’s college basketball.

That proves itself with the new media rights deal the conference announced as a “landmark” deal on Thursday.

WCC’s new media rights package consists of a new extension with ESPN. ESPN and the WCC have had a partnership for the past two decades and now they are together for another eight-year contract that stretches through the 2026-27 season.

“The West Coast Conference is a valued long-time partner and a premier basketball conference,” said Nick Dawson, ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions. “We look forward to continue showcasing the conference’s best matchups and teams throughout the season, and for years to come.”

The @WCCsports has announced a new media rights agreement with ESPN & CBS Sports.

– New 8-year agreement with ESPN through 2026-27 season.
– Minimum of 9 men's basketball games each season on CBS Sports Network.
– As many as 34 men's hoops games on ESPN networks/CBS Sports#BYU

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 19, 2019

The total number of regular-season men’s basketball broadcasts on ESPN networks will be 17 in total. ESPN will also continue broadcasting the West Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship game as well.

CBS Sports Network teams up with WCC

Along with ESPN, the WCC also announced a new wrinkle to their media rights package. The addition of CBS Sports. A minimum of nine men’s basketball games will be televised on CBS Sports Network which is now available in 61 million homes. The nine broadcasts will begin with the upcoming 2019-20 season.

“We are thrilled to partner with the West Coast Conference,” said Dan Weinberg, EVP, Programming, CBS Sports. “The West Coast Conference is a great basketball conference with some of the most premier programs in the country. Adding both the quality and depth the conference provides is important for the continued growth of CBS Sports Network and we look forward to our long-term partnership.”

Very excited to extend our relationship with @espn and begin a new partnership with @CBSSportsNet to provide remarkable national television exposure for the WCC.https://t.co/VpyJJj75Bi

— West Coast Conference (@WCCsports) September 19, 2019

As many as 34 WCC men’s basketball will be televised on ESPN networks and CBS Sports beginning this upcoming season.

BYU, who is preparing for its ninth season as a full-time member of the WCC, also has rights to home broadcasts on their university-owned network, BYUtv.

Financial terms for the West Coast Conference’s new media rights deal was not disclosed.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.