New York, NY

Sports television giant ESPN has announced a new 12-year deal with the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to broadcast college football playoff games starting 2014.

Included in the deal, reportedly worth $500 million a year, are the national championship game, the two playoff semifinal games and the three host bowls that are not a part of the playoff rotation that particular season.

ESPN president John Skipper and Bill Hancock, BCS executive director and committee setting up the college football playoff, announced the deal which includes rights on TV, radio, mobile TV and WatchESPN.

ESPN has also acquired the rights to the games in 3D, on ESPN Deportes and internationally, subject to finalizing documents and approvals.

"Because of college football's widespread popularity and the incredible passion of its fans, few events are more meaningful than these games," Skipper said. "We are ecstatic at the opportunity to continue to crown a college football champion on ESPN's outlets for years to come, the perfect finale to our year-round commitment to the sport."

"We are delighted to continue our relationship with ESPN for 12 more years," said Hancock. "ESPN's outlets provide numerous opportunities to bring this iconic event to the fans. Folks are going to love this playoff and the attention ESPN will give to it."

ESPN will televise the BCS Championship Game after the conclusion of this season (Jan. 7, 8:30 p.m. ET) and for one more year before the playoff system takes over.

In addition to the Orange, Rose and Sugar Bowls, it is believed the Chick-fil-A, Cotton and Fiesta Bowls will round out the six-bowl rotation.

A final decision on the three remaining bowls that will make up the rotation is expected at some point next year.

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