DePaul University Athletics
BIG EAST, CBS Agree To Basketball Contract Extension
6/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
The new agreement, which will begin with the 2007-08 season, will call for a minimum of 14 men’s basketball appearances per season by BIG EAST schools. Additional appearances by BIG EAST women’s basketball teams also will be featured.
“We’re very pleased to maintain our partnership with CBS,” said Tranghese. “BIG EAST teams have enjoyed outstanding exposure through the years on CBS. The length of this agreement guarantees that BIG EAST teams will have a high profile on national broadcast network television well into the future.”
The BIG EAST and CBS have been long-time television partners. CBS began telecasting games involving BIG EAST teams in 1981-82, the third year of the conference’s existence. The BIG EAST enjoyed a rapid ascent on the national college basketball scene in the early eighties and the league became the first conference to sign an exclusive agreement with a television network, forging a deal with CBS in 1985.
“This agreement assures that BIG EAST basketball will remain a central component of CBS Sports’ basketball schedule, as it has been for over 25 years,” said Aresco. “We are pleased to continue broadcasting BIG EAST Conference games.”
Last season, CBS televised 11 regular season games involving BIG EAST teams, including five league contests.
The BIG EAST is the largest and most diverse Division I conference in the country. It was formed in 1979 and represents the athletic interests of 16 member institutions including the
