CSNbbs

Army strikes sweeping TV deal with ESPN




©2005 The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Army and ESPN have reached a five-year multimedia agreement, guaranteeing live television coverage of every Black Knights home football game to fans and troops around the world.

Under the agreement announced Wednesday, all games at Michie Stadium in West Point, NY, and select neutral-site games in which Army is the home team will be available on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic or ESPNU, its new college sports station.

ESPNU also will offer coverage of seven additional men's or women's Army athletic events a year.

The games will be available live and free of charge to soldiers and military personnel around the world.

``I can't begin to say what a big boost this is for our program,'' Army head coach Bobby Ross said. ``I know people say that Dallas is America's team, but I think we are. In the past, the only opportunity they've really had to see us play was during the Army-Navy game.''

The contract includes at least one Army football game on ESPN or ESPN2 each year, with additional telecasts split between ESPNU and ESPN Classic. Every game will be available on ESPN360, while some will be offered on ESPN's subscription service, College GamePlan.

In addition, if Army becomes bowl-eligible, the Black Knights, who are leaving Conference USA to play again as an independent, would gain special consideration for an at-large berth to appear in one of the bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television.

In order to maximize exposure, Army will play at least one game a year on Thursday or Friday, and potentially two contests in Saturday prime-time.

For 2005, ESPN2 will televise Army's home game against Iowa State on Friday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.

Uhhh what exactly did they do to deserve this? 2 wins in 2 years, if thats the case then Rutgers is in negotiations with CBS in a desparate attempt by CBS to get back at ESPN for making this blockbuster deal! Lol

I know that its Army, and everyone should respect them, but why not Navy? Or Air Force? Atleast theyve made significant impacts in college football as of late and play a competitive and exciting brand of football, unlike Army who is gonna get blown out in most games, and have alot of D-1AA teams on national TV.

Dont like this at all

Quote:but why not Navy? Or Air Force?

Navy has struck up a similar deal recently with CSTV and being in a conference keeps Air Force from getting any exclusive contracts.

-- Actually I read where part of the deal is that if Army becomes bowl elgiable ESPN would give a special preferance to them when it comes time to find a bowl....it reallys sounds like a good deal


Jackson

Sadly ESPN hates the BE and would rather have Army games (who watches/listens to those things besides the cadets and soldiers?) They don't see anything b/c of their hatred towards the BE

There is absolutely NO reason for Navy and Army to join a conference after the Navy plan has worked out so well the past couple of years. Schedule a fairly weak slate, rack up the necessary wins, and go to a bowl. It's pretty much perfect for them. They have enough support and recognition to go independent, and they're the only ones aside from Notre Dame who have the ability to do that for an extended stretch and succeed.