ESPN and Little League Baseball reached an eight-year contract extension through 2014.
The pact includes coverage across 15 ESPN platforms: ESPN on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN International, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN360, Mobile ESPN Publishing and other ESPN-branded services such as podcasting and video-on-demand.
On the TV side, the United States and World Championship games will remain on ABC, which has aired the Little League Championship game since 1963. And at least 49 games in all eight divisions of Little League Baseball and Softball will be televised across ESPN networks beginning in 2007.
Also, for the first time, ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise all 32 games of the Aug. 17-26 Little League Baseball World Series held in Williamsport, Pa.
“Little League Baseball captures the heart of sport -- a balance of competitiveness, sportsmanship and passion for the game,” ESPN executive vice president of content John Skipper said in a prepared statement. “This new deal will allow fans to enjoy -- any way they choose -- these moments that touch so many.”
