Comcast to Carry ESPN’s New SEC Network

PHILADELPHIA/BRISTOL: ESPN and Comcast Cable have inked a carriage deal that will see Comcast distributing the new sports-themed SEC Network to Xfinity TV customers.

The channel is set to launch at the start of the Southeastern Conference collegiate football season. Both the network and its accompanying digital offerings will air more than 1,000 live events in their first year, including 45 exclusive SEC football games, 100 men’s basketball games and 60 women’s basketball games, among other sporting events. Comcast subscribers will be able to access the live content on authenticated platforms such as the Xfinity TV Go app and website, WatchESPN and the SEC Network site.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with ESPN to deliver the SEC Network to Xfinity TV customers on multiple platforms,” said Matt Strauss, the senior VP and general manager of video services at Comcast Cable. “Whether in the home or on the go, Xfinity TV customers will be able to watch their favorite Southeastern Conference teams in more ways than ever before.”

Added Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks’ senior VP of affiliate sales, “We are pleased to announce Comcast as our latest distributor for the SEC Network, which continues to attract great demand from consumers across the country and adds significant value for our affiliates leading up to the national network’s launch next month.”

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said, “With more than three weeks still to go before launch, we are pleased to add Comcast, the largest cable television distributor in the country, to the growing list of providers that will bring the SEC Network to millions of fans nationwide.”

“We’re thrilled to have Comcast on board as a distributor for the launch of the SEC Network on August 14,” added Justin Connolly, ESPN senior VP of college networks. “Across the country, Comcast’s Xfinity customers will have access to all of the great content and coverage from the SEC Network. We continue to gain momentum for a successful launch across a wide range of affiliated providers.”