PHILADELPHIA, PA and BRISTOL, CT --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. With the addition of Comcast, the SEC Network will be available to 46 million households nationwide.
"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, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Video Services, 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 vice president, 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."
The SEC Network and its accompanying digital offering will air more than 1,000 live events in its first year, including at least 45 exclusive SEC football games, more than 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, 75 baseball games, 50 softball games and events across all of the SEC's 21 sports. The network will be 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.
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 vice president, 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."
Xfinity TV customers can find the SEC Network on their channel lineup upon its launch by visiting www.XfinityTV.com.
About Comcast Cable
Comcast Cable is the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About SEC Network
The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate a multiplatform network which will launch August 14, 2014. The new network and its accompanying digital platform will air SEC content 24/7 including more than 1,000 events in its first year. The network will televise 45 SEC football games, more than 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, 75 baseball games, and events from across the SEC's 21 sports annually. Programming will also include in-depth commentary and analysis in studio shows, daily news and information original content such as SEC Storied, spring football games, and more. Hundreds of additional live events from various sports will be offered exclusively on the digital platform.
Media Contacts:
John Demming, Comcast 215.286.8011 or john_demming@comcast.com
Gracie Blackburn, ESPN 704.350.3489 or gracie.blackburn@espn.com
Kristie Chong Adler, ESPN 646.547.5637 or kristie.chong@espn.com
Oliver Barry, CRS, GRI, SFR
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