Storrs– UConn has reached an agreement with regional cable network SportsNetNew York(SNY) to televise UConn women's basketball games, ending an 18-year relationship with Connecticut Public Television.

SNY will pay UConn $4.55 million in rights fees for the next four seasons, roughly $1.14 million for each year of the contract.

CPTV president and chief executive officer Jerry Franklin said Tuesday CPTV’s bid was $4.537 million.

Franklincalled UConn’s decision to go elsewhere “temporarily devastating” and “a loss for all ofConnecticut.”

Franklinsaid, “I don’t think the decision was based on money. (A UConn official) called and said it was ‘about a new marketing opportunity for the university.’ They want theNew Yorkmarket.”

“I am very excited that SNY will be our television home for the next four years," UConn women's coach Geno Auriemma said. "This agreement will continue to provide all of our loyal fans in the state of Connecticut an opportunity to watch our team play and will also help us develop a whole new group of UConn women's basketball fans throughout the Northeast and the entire nation. SNY will also allow us to showcase UConn women's basketball to a larger audience, which will support our recruiting efforts and help us maintain the level of success in our program.”