USA Ultimate, ESPN team up

As of yesterday, Ultimate has finally made it to the big time.

Ultimate Frisbee had rarely gotten the media attention it deserves as a growing sport at the high school, college and professional level. However, that's about to change with the announcement of a multi-year deal between USA Ultimate and ESPN.

On Tuesday, USA Ultimate reported that they had reached an agreement with ESPN in which the network will carry Ultimates major tournaments such as the College Championships, the inaugural Triple Crown Tour and the National Championships.

The agreement states that ESPN will provide coverage of Ultimate on ESPN3 as well as on ESPNU.  

Overall, 23 games from each division and across all three tournaments will be streamed live on ESPN3. Also, tape delayed programs of the College Championships will be aired on ESPNU.

USA Ultimates Chief Executive Officer Tom Crawford said teaming up with ESPN puts the sport in a great position, and he said he is excited to be working with ESPN.

Todd Myers, ESPN's director of programming and acquisitions stated that by delivering Ultimate to fans and viewers across the nation they're giving exposure to a sport and events which feature the highest level of competition in Ultimate.

I couldn't agree more. As a fan this is exactly what I have been hoping for because I won't have to wait for results or search YouTube for videos anymore. My friends and I will finally be able to watch our favorite teams compete whether it's in the college or club series. Who knows maybe I'll even see my friend on the Luther College team, a strong competitor in the D-1 open and women's division, play on TV. 

While I always hoped I could never have imagined that ESPN would pick up the sport, and in doing so they have proven just how much it has grown over the years. This news is exciting for players and fans who want to see their sport continue to grow.