ESPN Images: Little League World Series Collection

ESPN to Become Exclusive Rights Holder; Agreement Continues Long-Standing Relationship Since 1963

ESPN and Little League^® International announced today an eight-year multi-platform rights extension – effective 2015 through 2022 – which will make ESPN the exclusive U.S. rights holder of Little League International. The multi-year extension continues one of the longest-standing relationships between a sports network and a rights holder, which dates back to 1963 when ABC began airing Little League programming. The announcement was made in Williamsport, Pa., by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer, Little League International and Norby Williamson, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions.

Under the new deal, ESPN will enhance its multi-platform rights package, highlighted by the ability to televise every game from the U.S. Regionals and World Series of each of Little League International’s divisions, including Little League Baseball, Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, Junior League Baseball, Senior League Baseball, Big League Baseball, Little League Softball™, Junior League Softball, Senior League Softball, and Big League Softball.

Rights Summary

• The rights to air every game from the U.S. Regionals and World Series of each of Little League International’s nine baseball and softball divisions;
• Enhanced digital rights, including the ability to deliver every game on digital platforms including WatchESPN and ESPN3. (ESPN added 41 exclusive games to ESPN3 in 2013);
• ABC will continue to broadcast the Little League Baseball World Series Championship Game, United States Championship Game and International Championship Game from Williamsport, Pa.;
• ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 will continue to televise all 32 Little League World Series games live from Williamsport, Pa.;
• In-progress highlight rights across all ESPN platforms;
• ESPN International will continue to have the ability to air all games in Canada, Mexico, Latin America and South America, Australia and New Zealand.

Norby Williamson, Executive Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, ESPN:

“Little League is tremendous, family-friendly programming and a great showcase of what we love about sports – passion, competition and bringing communities together. We’re delighted to continue our rewarding collaboration with Little League International.”

Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer, Little League International:

“ESPN has been a great partner in helping tell the Little League story to a global audience, and we are delighted to extend our successful relationship. The new agreement will allow Little League Baseball and Softball to further advance our dedicated work of providing positive life experiences for kids both on and off the field.  We recognize the great value in this extension as it will allow us to implement new initiatives, while continuing to offer important benefits such as keeping local league fees low.  With another successful Little League Baseball World Series in the books, we’ll now begin to concentrate on our 75th anniversary coming in 2014.  This extension with ESPN is a perfect way to begin our celebration.”

Additional notes

• The existing rights agreement, made effective in 2007, runs through 2014;
• 2013 marks the 50^th anniversary of ABC’s partnership with Little League, dating back to 1963;
• 2014 will mark the 75^th anniversary of the first Little League season in 1939;
• ESPN first televised Little League in 1983 and every year since 1987.

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