College Football on TV: A Proliferation of Games and Growth

Strategic Insights -

College football has grown exponentially in television appearances since 1980, with the 2011 season being the biggest yet for Atlanta-based regional networks. In 1980, the University of Georgia's national-championship team had only two regular-season games televised, but this season will bring continued growth with over 250 games televised by ABC, ESPN, and other networks. Regional networks like Fox Sports South will also showcase a significant number of games, with 70 scheduled to air, including packages from the SEC, ACC, and other conferences.

Key Takeaways:

  • College football has experienced significant growth on TV since 1980, with major conferences now offering fewer exclusive broadcast windows to increase game visibility.
  • The SEC and ACC have sub-licensed games to regional cable networks and syndicates, creating a pipeline for broadcasting.
  • Fox Sports South will televise 70 games, including packages from eight SEC games, 14 ACC games, and other conferences.
  • ESPN has entered into a $250-million-per-year deal with the Pac-12, the richest conference TV deal, for football and basketball games.
  • Networks are paying escalating rights fees for the games, with the Pac-12 deal being the most costly.
  • The 2011 season will see a significant increase in televised college football games, with regional networks like Fox Sports South playing a major role.

Statistics:

  • 250+ college football games televised by ABC, ESPN, and other networks in the 2011 season.
  • 70 college football games televised by Fox Sports South, including packages from the SEC, ACC, and other conferences.
  • $250 million per year: the value of the Pac-12's deal with ESPN/ABC and Fox for football and basketball games.
  • 8 p.m. start time: for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game featuring Georgia vs. Boise State on ESPN, as well as the Cowboys Classic featuring LSU vs. Oregon on ABC.

Sources:

  • Genthner, J. (2011, August 25). Fox Sports South to Showcase College Football Games. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, p. 1C.
  • Genthner, J. (2011, August 25). Fox Sports South to Showcase College Football Games. AJC.com.
  • ESPN. (2011, August 25). College Football on ESPN: 2011 Season. ESPN.com.