Notre Dame, NBC renew agreement

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Notre Dame and NBC Sports have extended their broadcasting agreement through the 2010 season.

The decision was made as the school gave an indication that it plans to remain an independent in football. The new five-year agreement calls for NBC to continue televising all home football games of the Fighting Irish, continuing a partnership that began in 1991.

Terms of the extension were not disclosed. ESPN reported that the deal is "commensurate" with the current deal that pays the school about $9 million per season.

"We're extremely pleased to augment what continues to be a very special relationship with NBC Sports," said Athletic Director Kevin White. "The ability to have our home football games telecast on a national basis becomes a tremendous vehicle for us in maintaining a national visibility and platform in terms of our football program's profile and recruiting."

Notre Dame will provide a minimum of six home games per season to NBC as part of the agreement. It comes despite a disappointing 5-6 record in 2003.