A statement from Fox on Monday read, "Even with today's vast economic uncertainties, Fox Sports made a very competitive bid to keep broadcasting BCS games free to every home in America, one that included a substantial rights fee increase, and certainly as much as any over-the-air network could responsibly risk. Unfortunately, the University presidents and BCS commissioners were not satisfied and they've decided to take their jewel events to pay television."
In a statement, ESPN said: "We are not commenting today about a potential BCS agreement. However, we wish to remind everyone that ESPN is distributed on expanded basic, a product enjoyed by 98 million homes that offers the best entertainment buy in America, including many championship caliber sporting events."
Conference commissioners and BCS TV negotiator Barry Frank had been meeting in Chicago with the networks, USA Today reported last week.
Fox reportedly pays about $82.5 million annually to air four of the five BCS games -- the Sugar, Orange and Fiesta bowls and the BCS National Championship Game. ABC, like ESPN an affiliate of The Walt Disney Co., currently has a separate deal to air the Rose Bowl.
