The Southeastern Conference Thursday announced a landmark TV deal. The agreement -- valued at $3 billion dollars -- is an exclusive partnership with ESPN and ABC, starting in 2024. The SEC's longtime association with CBS will draw to a close. ABC will be the new broadcast home for Saturday afternoon and select primetime SEC football games, along with the conference championship game. Other SEC football games will be seen on ESPN cable channels and the ESPN+ streaming service. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says the agreement improves the television scheduling process, by giving fans earlier notice about kickoff times, especially for early games.
The deal also includes marquee men's basketball games. Reports say ESPN will pay the SEC $300 million dollars a year for the rights, which is nearly six times what CBS pays.