ESPN’s rosy deal

The Rose Bowl agreed to a 12-year extension with ESPN that will keep the game on the network through 2026. ESPN President John Skipper, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott and Rose Bowl officials announced the deal Thursday. ESPN will keep the broadcast rights to the Rose Bowl regardless of the final format developed for college football’s new playoff system, which kicks in for the 2014 season. The first championship game under the new system is Jan. 12, 2015. The network’s current deal with the Rose Bowl runs through the 2014 BCS title game. – Associated Press