ESPN Sues Conference USA over TV Rights
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ESPN filed a federal lawsuit against Conference USA Wednesday alleging the league failed to fulfill its contractual obligations when it signed a new contract with Fox Sports Media Group in January.
ESPN states in the lawsuit it reached a contract extension agreement with Conference USA via e-mail, but the league later decided to pursue a contract with Fox Sports Media Group. ESPN also alleges Conference USA never gave it a final offer to consider before beginning negotiations with another network, a right ESPN contends was part of the previous contact.
ESPN is asking the court to enforce terms of a $22 million five-year agreement it reached with Conference USA, voiding the league's $43 million five-year contract agreement with Fox Sports Media Group.
If the court is unwilling to void the Fox Sports Media Group contract, ESPN stated in the lawsuit it would accept $21 million in damages and the payment of its attorney fees.
Conference USA officials continue to disagree with ESPN's stance, arguing it treated the network fairly throughout contract negotiations.
ESPN sues Conference USA over television rights - chicagotribune.com
Re: ESPN Sues Conference USA over TV Rights
Looks like nothing was signed and ESPN is SOl.
Re: ESPN Sues Conference USA over TV Rights
This just means ESPN will have more money to spend on the Big 12 contract
Re: ESPN Sues Conference USA over TV Rights
I'm sure there ****** out of principle, but does anyone think that ESPN is really sweating losing C-USA coverage?
Re: ESPN Sues Conference USA over TV Rights
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Originally Posted by
MNCyGuy 
I'm sure there ****** out of principle, but does anyone think that ESPN is really sweating losing C-USA coverage?
What else are they going to show on Wednesday and Friday nights?
Re: ESPN Sues Conference USA over TV Rights
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MNCyGuy I'm sure there ****** out of principle, but does anyone think that ESPN is really sweating losing C-USA coverage?
I think it's more shocking that Fox was willing to basically double ESPN's offer for C-USA rights. I think this makes things look very, very good for the B12 contract.
Re: ESPN Sues Conference USA over TV Rights
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Originally Posted by
RayShimley I think it's more shocking that Fox was willing to basically double ESPN's offer for C-USA rights. I think this makes things look very, very good for the B12 contract.
Yeah, especially when the Big 12 lets the TV rights go to the free market. Right now, only Fox is bidding and its already a 350% increase.
PAC 12's TV rights go to the free market April 1st, I'd imagine the Big 12 is the same. When ESPN starts bidding is when things will get interesting for the Big 12.
