ESPN and The Heisman Trophy Trust have agreed to a new multi-year extension that will keep the network as the exclusive home of the Heisman Trophy Ceremony, further strengthening one of college football’s longest-running media partnerships.
The agreement ensures ESPN will continue to televise the annual presentation of college football’s most prestigious individual honor. It extends a relationship that dates back to 1994 and now spans more than three decades.
The deal positions ESPN as the primary platform for the Heisman as the award approaches its 100th anniversary.
The announcement follows a highly successful broadcast of the 91st annual Heisman Trophy Ceremony on Saturday, December 13. The event averaged 4.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen. Marking its largest audience since 2012 and representing a 69% year-over-year increase. Viewership peaked at 5.8 million during the broadcast. For the first time, the ceremony aired on ABC, with ESPN producing the telecast.
The strong ratings highlight the continued relevance of the Heisman Trophy in a fragmented media landscape. They also underscore ESPN’s ability to draw large audiences for marquee college football programming.
“The Heisman Trophy Trust is thrilled to continue its long-standing partnership with ESPN,” incoming Heisman Trust CEO Jeff Price said in a statement. “For decades, ESPN has helped to tell the stories of the outstanding Heisman Trophy Winners, and we look forward to building on that tradition in the coming years.”
Price also emphasized the broader mission tied to the partnership. He noted the relationship helps advance the Trust’s efforts beyond the ceremony itself. According to Price, the agreement supports the organization’s goal of using the Heisman platform to positively impact underserved youth. It enables annual donations of millions of dollars to organizations that expand opportunities through sports and education.
ESPN executives echoed that sentiment while emphasizing the historical significance of the award.
“ESPN is incredibly proud to continue our enduring relationship with the Heisman Trophy Trust — a collaboration that will soon span more than 35 years,” said Kurt Dargis, ESPN senior director of programming. “The Heisman Trophy remains one of the most prestigious distinctions in sports, and we’re honored to help present this moment to fans every year as we celebrate the very best of college football.”
Beyond the ceremony itself, the extension includes ESPN’s continued exclusive rights to announce the Heisman Trophy finalists. It also allows ESPN to produce additional shoulder programming, including the annual Heisman Top 10 show and a Heisman Preview Show. Disney Advertising will also remain involved, working alongside the Heisman Trust to develop sponsorship opportunities across Heisman-related content and programming.
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