ESPN bolstered their ESPN+ service even more over the past few days. The network announced a broadcast rights agreement with the National Lacrosse League and the Eastern College Athletic Conference.
The NLL is offering its entire slate of games to ESPN services–including at least ten airing on ESPN. All told, the league will have a record 139 games broadcasted live in the United States this season.
“We are so proud, honored, and excited to work with ESPN and ESPN+ in this unprecedented landmark announcement for the NLL. Never before in the 35-year history of the league have fans, sponsors, teams, and players had this type of access and exposure across the United States,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “While we, our sport, and the industry continue to focus on digital native fans, we will also have the benefit of expanded reach through live distribution on ESPN linear networks.”
NLL Faceoff Weekend begins on December 3-4 with the season-opening game pitting the Vancouver Warriors against the San Diego Seals.
“We’re thrilled to reach this new multi-year rights agreement with the National Lacrosse League, adding to our already extensive commitment to the sport of lacrosse on ESPN platforms. The NLL features elite players competing in an exciting and fast-paced game that we look forward to showcasing across ESPN and ESPN+ in the years ahead,” said Dan Margulis, senior director, programming & acquisitions, ESPN.
The ECAC is a collection of smaller universities–mostly from the Ivy League–that compete against one another in hockey at the Division 1 level.
“We’re truly excited to announce the extension of our deal with ESPN through the rest of this decade,” said ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell. “ESPN has been a great partner for ECAC Hockey, and we look forward to growing and enhancing our relationship for the benefit of our programs and fans.”
The move is another commitment to the ice action, which ESPN zoomed in on heavily by taking on expanded NHL coverage this year.