Tim Pernetti, commissioner of the American Athletic Conference, thanked President Donald Trump for signing the "Preserving America's Game" executive order, which seeks to protect the exclusive broadcasting window for the annual Army-Navy college football game.
"The American Conference is deeply grateful to President Trump for his strong leadership in issuing the historic executive order to preserve America’s Game," Pernetti said in a statement. "This is a meaningful step that protects a cherished national tradition and reinforces what makes the Army-Navy Game so special to our country."
The order was signed on Friday during the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy presentation to the Navy Midshipmen football team in the White House East Room. It directs the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Commerce to coordinate with the NCAA, College Football Playoff and broadcast partners to secure an exclusive window for the standalone game.
The move addresses concerns over potential conflicts with the expanding College Football Playoff schedule encroaching on the game's traditional second Saturday in December slot, held exclusively since 2009.
The Army-Navy rivalry was first played on December 29, 1890, and has been contested annually since 1930.[1]
The game typically draws 7 million to 8 million television viewers, among the highest for regular-season college football. CBS Sports holds broadcast rights through 2034.[2][3]
"The Army-Navy Game represents far more than football. It honors our service academies, highlights the character and commitment of our future leaders and brings Americans together around values that matter deeply, including service and sacrifice," Pernetti added. "This executive order is a positive step for the sport, for our service academies and for the enduring legacy of America’s Game."
Sources
- Army West Point Athletics
Opponent History: Navy Football
Accessed October 2024
https://goarmywestpoint.com/sports/football/opponent-history/navy/88 - Sports Business Journal
CBS Sports, Armed Forces Network extend Army-Navy rights through 2034
June 15, 2022
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/06/15/Media/Army-Navy.aspx - Sports Media Watch
Army-Navy Game Viewership History
Accessed October 2024
https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-ratings/army-navy-game-ratings-viewership/
