Cox reaches agreement with new SEC network

ESPN and Cox Communications have reached an agreement for carriage of the SEC Network on Cox when the multiplatform network launches on August 14, 2014. The channel will be available to fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference along the Gulf Coast. Cox subscribers will also have authenticated access to additional live events scheduled for the SEC Network’s digital platform, with the ability to watch SEC Network content anytime, anywhere on their television, computer, tablet or mobile device.

“As home to some of the biggest SEC fans in the nation, we are thrilled to offer the SEC Network on our channel line-up,” said Jacqui Vines, senior vice president and general manager of Cox’s Southeast Region. “This is great news for alumni and fans across our footprint who will enjoy the action and rivalries that have become synonymous with SEC sports throughout the entire region.”

Added Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks senior vice president, affiliate sales: “The ground swell of consumer and affiliate demand increases by the day, and we continue to build on our momentum with the announcement of Cox Communications as our latest distributor that will deliver the SEC Network to fans at launch.”

The SEC Network and its accompanying digital platform 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: “The addition of Cox is another very important step in the development of the SEC Network, bringing millions more viewers nationwide to the network when it launches on August 14. As one of the largest cable television distributors in the U.S., including five states in the SEC footprint, this agreement with Cox has a significant impact on exposure for the SEC.”

“We are pleased to expand upon our growing list of distributors who have signed agreements for the SEC Network launching in a little over a month,” added Justin Connolly, ESPN senior vice president, college networks. “We look forward to serving Cox customers with an unparalleled offering of more SEC content than ever before.”

Customers in Cox’s Pensacola and Okaloosa and Walton County markets on the Digital Essential service level will have access to the SEC Network.