Fox Sports picks up rights to NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

The Fox Sports division of US network Fox has acquired rights to annual college American football game the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

Fox Sports has agreed a multi-year deal with the NFL Players Association for rights to the game, which is contested by National and American teams featuring NFL draft-eligible players.

Coverage will begin with the 2017 game, which will take place on January 21 at StubHub Center on the campus of California State University. It will be broadcast by the Fox Sports 1 channel.

John Entz, Fox Sports’ president of production and executive producer, said: “The pre-draft evaluation process drives more and more interest among football fans every year, so we’re looking forward to being a part of that and covering a competitive game.”

Founded in 2012, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is designed to give prospective players the best opportunity to showcase their talents to potential employers and fans.

Since its inception, many players have gone on to begin careers in professional football, with notable Collegiate Bowl alumni including Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trevone Boykin, San Diego Chargers linebacker Jatavis Brown and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley.