DIRECTV (NASDAQ:DTV), one of the leading providers of digital entertainment services worldwide announced its agreement with ESPN Media Networks to bring the SEC Network to the fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference upon its launching on August 14.
DIRECTV (NASDAQ:DTV) and ESPN Media Networks did not disclose the terms of the deal, which significantly expands the reach of the SEC Network to approximately 87 million homes.
In a statement, Sean Breen, senior vice president, affiliate sales, Disney and ESPN Media Networks said, “Our agreement with DIRECTV continues to push the SEC Network towards one of the most successful network launches when it debuts on August 14.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.”
DIRECTV’s Powerhouse athletic programs
On the other hand, Dan York, chief content officer at DIRECTV (NASDAQ:DTV) said SEC Network boasts powerhouse athletic programs particularly in football, which represents deeply loyal communities.
According to York, “The depth of SEC competition and the quality ESPN brings to game production and complementary programming makes SEC Network a valuable addition to our sports programming lineup, and we’re excited to bring it into our customers’ homes and on their devices.”
ESPN previously signed agreements with other cable companies
Earlier this year, ESPN Media Networks signed agreements with Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA), Dish Network Corp (NASDAQ:DISH) and Time Warner Cable Inc (NYSE:TWC) provide the SEC Network to millions of followers.
The SEC Network provides at least 45 exclusive football games this season. The Charlotte-based network recently released the pre-season polls rank of seven SEC teams in the college football pre-season to 25.
The SEC Network will also serve as an all-access pass to nationally competitive events, news and information, expert analysis, classic games and in-depth features on the most-storied conference in college athletics.
“With opening day now firmly in sight, we are happy to count DIRECTV, the country’s largest satellite provider, among our many distributors for the SEC Network. The SEC is home to the most passionate fans in college sports, and I am pleased to have such a wide distribution by launch date for the benefit of SEC fans everywhere,” according to SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.
