The SEC Network signed its last major cable provider on Monday with the addition of DirecTV, the satellite company announced in a joint press release. After signing giants Comcast, Dish Network and Time Warner earlier this year, DirecTV and its 20 million subscribers mark the second-biggest addition to the network’s lineup of providers.
SEC Network available in 90 million homes after DirecTV, Charter deals
Verizon FiOS is now the only major holdout among potential SEC Network distributors.
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The SEC Network lauded the addition, which was widely anticipated as the network’s launch date (Aug. 14) and first football game (Aug. 28) loom.
"Our agreement with DIRECTV continues to push the SEC Network towards one of the most successful network launches when it debuts on August 14," said Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks Senior Vice President, Affiliate Sales. "We're proud to deliver the SEC Network nationwide via DIRECTV in advance of the Texas A&M and South Carolina game later this month."
That sounds like typical hyperbole, but the SEC Network is indeed on pace to have by far the most successful launch of any conference network. It’s now likely met its goal of 75 million subscribers.
Update: Charter announced that it will carry the SEC Network, meaning it will now be available in 90 million homes.
NEWS: @CharterCom will carry the @SECNetwork when we launch on Aug. 14! http://t.co/ArAeyn4gti pic.twitter.com/coaOUkabvk
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 6, 2014 As this old chart from Good Bull Hunting shows, the only major provider left for the SEC Network to sign on is Verizon FiOS.
With @CharterCom deal, @VerizonFiOS only carrier missing out. SECN avail in 92MM+ homes. (cc: @GBHunting, @SEC_Logo) pic.twitter.com/AUvUawxFat
— Doug Keegan (@doug_keegan) August 6, 2014 
Not just planet Earth
No conference has added providers with as much ease as the SEC Network, which is also reportedly going to be the most expensive conference network for those living within the conference’s footprint. The Big Ten had issues adding some of the region’s cable providers when it first launched in 2008 and the Pac-12 Network still hasn’t been able to add DirecTV. The SEC adding all of its target providers before the start of its first season makes this all the more impressive.
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