USA Network wins "Casino Royale"

Actors Daniel Craig (R) and Caterina Murino pose for photographers at a photo opportunity before a news conference to promote the latest James Bond movie 'Casino Royale' in Seoul December 11, 2006. After heated bidding with several outlets, including broadcast networks, and cable rivals Spike TV, TNT and FX, USA landed the latest James Bond film, which has grossed about $400 million worldwide to date. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters)

LOS ANGELES  - USA Network has won its bet on "Casino Royale."

After heated bidding with several outlets, including broadcast networks, and cable rivals Spike TV, TNT and FX, USA landed the latest James Bond film, which has grossed about $400 million worldwide to date.

Under the five-year deal, said to be worth about $20 million, USA will get the blockbuster movie in June 2009.

"Casino Royale," the first Bond movie with Daniel Craig as the famous British spy, is on track to outpace "Die Another Day" as the highest-grossing movie in the franchise.

The Bond movies have been strong performers on cable TV. When TBS had the rights to many of the films, it launched a holiday 007 movie marathon. The tradition was continued by Spike TV, which bought the Bond movie package a few years ago.