The Big West Conference and ESPN have agreed to a new five-year broadcast deal that includes at least 12 national telecasts of men’s basketball games and other Big West events.

Big West contests will be televised mainly on ESPNU and ESPN2.  The agreement runs through the 2013-14 season and includes at least five annual regular-season men’s basketball games, the men’s basketball tournament semifinals and championship game, and at least four additional Olympic sport events.

“The Big West is excited to enhance its visibility with our television partner ESPN,” said Commissioner Dennis Farrell, who led the negotiation of the agreement that replaces the conference’s current arrangement. “The deal further promotes the Big West on the ESPN family of networks and is a tribute to our long standing relationship.”

The Big West and ESPN have been media partners since 1987-88.