The deal includes a minimum of 26 televised games per season, starting as of 2007, and extensive multimedia rights.
Said John Skipper, executive vice president for content at ESPN: “We are committed to the Arena Football League and its exciting brand of football.
“We will help grow the league across all of our multimedia platforms. As the league grows, so will our business, and we see a bright future for us both.”
The deal will see the rights spread over the network’s 15 platforms. ESPN has also acquire the rights to air and syndicate AFL games through ESPN International.
AFL commissioner David Baker said: “This is the longest and most comprehensive media partnership in AFL history.
“ESPN's brand is ingrained in sports fans, who watch, read and listen to its multiple media properties. Through its equity purchase, ESPN now owns a piece of the AFL and has the ability to provide exciting football content on Monday nights for fans on a year-round basis.”
