LINCOLN, NE – The Nebraska Shrine Bowl (NSB) announced it has reached agreement with News Channel Nebraska (NCN) that extends and expands its new partnership with the locally-owned media network.

As part of the agreement NCN will share the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Classic exclusive television rights.

The new multi-year deal with NCN begins with the upcoming 2022 Nebraska Shrine Bowl Classic on June 4, replacing the previous agreement with Nebraska Public Television Network.

“The stability of the Nebraska Shrine Bowl is cemented,” said Director Dave MacDonald.  “We are positioned with one of the best media rights arrangements in high school sports, providing the organization opportunity for revenue growth and expanding awareness of Shriners Hospitals for Children over their statewide media network.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• An increase in the number of guaranteed statewide telecasts to more than 500,000 homes across the state.
• A multi-camera broadcast of the game
• Incorporates official game sponsors within the broadcast
• Allows free live stream coverage on NEShrineBowl.org and NewsChannelNebraska.com
• Allows live stream coverage on NCN’s multiple Facebook and OTT platforms.
• Allows statewide broadcast on NCN’s statewide radio network
• Allows multiple replays of the game following the original air date on TV

“The Nebraska Shrine Bowl will generate television revenue at the highest level of Nebraska high school athletics, while increasing exposure for our annual event, so that both organizations have the opportunity to enhance growth with our new model,” stated Nebraska Shrine Bowl president Elliott Bottorf.

Beginning this summer, the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Classic will be carried on a combination of NCN platforms.

“Today’s announcement is an excellent example of how well the Nebraska Shrine Bowl is positioned for the future,” added NSB Board Vice President Jim Jeffries.  “This contract ensures the (Nebraska) Shrine Bowl will continue to be the premier high school football showcase in not just the state, but the country.”

“The Nebraska Shrine Bowl is known for showcasing the state’s top high school football talent both on and beyond the field during its rich history of tradition,” remarked NCN president Mike Flood. “This agreement gives the game long-term stability and more flexibility for when and how fans can watch their hometown gridiron heroes.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” News Channel Nebraska CEO Andy Ruback stated. “News Channel Nebraska is dedicated to covering high school sports all-across the state, and the Nebraska Shrine Bowl is a big deal. NCN is going to give it the attention and coverage it deserves.”

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