ESPN's newly-created SEC network, which debuts today as among the largest network launches in cable history, has added two providers to its growing distribution reach.
Through separate deals with Disney/ESPN, both RCN and Vyve Broadband have been added to the SEC Network's list of distributors, which already includes DirecTV, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Charter. All told, SEC Network will launch in more than 60 million homes and be available to over 90 million.
In addition to the highly anticipated televising of 45 SEC football games, the SEC Network will also air men's and women's basketball, baseball and softball games as well as other sports featuring teams from the college conference. The network will also include original in-studio programming to provide analysis and news for the Southeastern Conference.
RCN's multi-year distribution deal with ESPN will make the network available to Premiere Sports Tier subscribers in all of the provider's markets, which include major metro areas Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
Vyve Broadband's deal brings the network to viewers in five states with SEC schools: Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. The network will also be offered by Vyve in areas throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming.
"Vyve customers have made their passion for sports programming, especially for the extremely competitive SEC, very clear," said Jeffrey DeMond, chief executive officer of Vyve Broadband, in a statement. "The SEC Network will bring football, basketball baseball, and other campus sports directly to our customers. This is something that Vyve customers have asked for, and we're very happy to be able to deliver it to them."
The first football game to be televised on the SEC Network will be Texas A&M vs. South Carolina on August 28 at 6 p.m. ET.
