ESPN and Little League International announced today an eight year extension to their rights agreement, giving ESPN rights to Little League games from 2023 through 2030 and making ESPN the exclusive global media rights holder of Little League Baseball and Little League Softball.
“There is perhaps no broadcast relationship in all of sports as synonymous as Little League and ESPN and ABC,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “With this extension, ESPN will be showcasing the amazing plays, inspirational stories, and exemplary sportsmanship of our Little League tournaments spanning eight decades. This relationship has allowed our organization to provide direct financial support to our 6,500 community-based programs, and we’re grateful that we’ll be able to continue in these vital efforts. We are looking forward to a bright future with Jimmy Pitaro and our partners at ESPN.”
With the deal, ESPN platforms will exclusively air over 300 Little League live events each year, including games from every baseball and softball World Series tournament. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, Longhorn Network and ESPN international platforms will all air events.
“Little League Baseball and Softball inspire us with their deep sense of community, camaraderie, and competitive spirit,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President, Disney Media Networks Co-Chair. “Multiple generations of families have enjoyed playing and watching games on ESPN and ABC, and we’re excited to continue and expand the rewarding relationship we have with Steve Keener and all of our friends at Little League Baseball and Softball.”
Events aired on ESPN platforms will include:
- Little League Baseball World Series
- Little League Softball World Series
- Little League Baseball U.S. Regionals
- Little League Softball U.S. Regionals
- Annual Little League Baseball World Series Challenger Game
- Intermediate Baseball World Series
- Junior League Baseball World Series
- Junior League Softball World Series
- Senior League Baseball World Series
- Senior League Softball World Series
- Options for International Regional Series
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