WAC TV deal ends; ESPN talks continue

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

Contract negotiations between the Western Athletic Conference and ESPN on a new multi-year deal have gone into overtime.

The WAC's three-year deal with the cable network lapsed at the conclusion of the conference basketball tournament last month and ESPN's exclusive 30-day negotiating window has expired since then, officials said.

But Karl Benson, WAC commissioner, said both parties "have agreed to continue our talks and work toward a mutually beneficial resolution. I'm optimistic there is a deal there to be made."

A spokesman for ESPN said it was the network's policy not to comment on negotiations.

Herman Frazier, UH athletic director, confirmed "negotiations are ongoing."

While rights fees are important, Frazier said, "in this conference, it is exposure more than (money)," that the membership is ultimately looking at.

The just-concluded contract guaranteed the conference at least four football and two men's basketball appearances per year. Both minimums were exceeded last year with eight football games and four basketball games. UH football appeared on ESPN four times in 2003, twice under the WAC package.

Parties to the agreement have refused to disclose financial terms of the last deal but it was believed to have paid the WAC less than $400,000 per year. The money is divided among member schools.

Frazier said UH's share has been "more than" $20,000 but "less than" $50,000.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.