Mediacom Communications Corporation announced today that it has reached an agreement with ESPN for carriage of the SEC Network. This launch highlights a larger, long-term deal between Mediacom and The Walt Disney Company, the details of which will be announced in the coming days.
The SEC Network will be available to fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference in Mediacom markets beginning August 14, ahead of the first SEC 2014-15 college football season game, Texas A&M vs. South Carolina, on August 28 at 6 p.m. ET. Mediacom subscribers will also have authenticated access to additional live events scheduled for the SEC Network’s digital platforms – including 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.
“Our cable systems in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee are located in the heart of SEC country,” said Ed Pardini, Senior Vice President of Operations for Mediacom. “By launching the SEC Network, we will bring even more live college sports action to SEC alumni and fans.”
Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks Senior Vice President, Affiliate Sales added, “With the launch just hours away, this is great news for all of Mediacom’s customers. Mediacom is a valuable addition to the overall footprint and we look forward to serving their customers and fans of the SEC.”
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.
“Mediacom serves many fans of the Southeastern Conference,” added Justin Connolly, ESPN Senior Vice President, College Networks. “We look forward to providing an array of outstanding SEC programming to Mediacom customers on the new SEC Network.”
Mike Slive, Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference said, “We are pleased to have Mediacom join the SEC Network in advance of our launch on Thursday. Mediacom customers, which include viewers in seven SEC states, join more than 90 million homes with access to the Network.”