The SEC Network is guaranteed to have a lot more viewers than it was yesterday. The network has signed a deal with Comcast, the largest cable distributor in the country. From the press release:
SEC Network inks deal with Comcast, now in 46 million homes
The addition of Comcast nearly doubles the SEC Network’s previous reach.
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN and Comcast Cable have reached an agreement for carriage of the SEC Network, which will begin rolling out to fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference across Comcast markets at the start of the SEC college football season. Comcast subscribers will also have authenticated access to additional live events scheduled for the SEC Network's and Comcast's digital platforms - including the Xfinity TV Go app and website, WatchESPN and SECNetwork.com - with the ability to watch SEC Network live and on-demand content anytime, anywhere on their television, computer, tablet or mobile device.
The SEC Network recently signed a deal with Cox Communications that brought it up to 27 million subscribers, but the deal with Comcast will nearly double that:
With the addition of Comcast, the SEC Network will be available to 46 million households nationwide.
That means it’s inching close to the Big Ten Network, which is currently in 60 million homes, though that should increase as the network adds more homes on the East Coast. The SEC Network should be able to increase its reach, as well, as it is still in negotiations with satellite giant DirecTV.
DirecTV has been difficult with conference networks before. It reached a deal with the Big Ten Network, but is still holding out of the Pac-12 Network. However, DirecTV has described its negotiations with the SEC as “productive.”
“We’re in the middle of productive discussions with Disney over ESPN’s new SEC Network and hope to be able to provide it as soon as we possibly can. Both DIRECTV and Disney understand and appreciate the unique bond between SEC teams and the communities they represent, many of which lack any professional teams. We are working cooperatively to ensure that everyone can still see their favorite SEC team play at the most reasonable value to all SEC fans and the rest of our customers throughout the Southeast.”
With or without DirecTV, the SEC Network launches on Aug. 14. But with Comcast officially in the fold, the network has succeeded in completing its most important mission of the offseason.
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