CFL, ESPN reach agreement on 5-year deal to broadcast league games

TORONTO - The CFL reached a new multi-year agreement with ESPN on Friday.

A broadcast source said the deal is for five years.

The agreement calls for a minimum of 17 regular-season games as well as the East and West Division finals being broadcast annually on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNEWS. All other contests will be available live on ESPN3 across computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices.

The Grey Cup game will be carried live on ESPN2.

"We are thrilled for our fans in the United States that the ESPN networks will be the exclusive home of our league there," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said in a statement.

"Since the early days of ESPN, CFL games have been a valued part of our programming lineup," said Burke Magnus, senior vice-president, programming acquisitions. "I'm proud to see our relationship continue as we strive to serve football fans 365 days a year."