As the launch of SEC Network is fast approaching, just less than two weeks now, the channel is picking up momentum. AT&T U-Verse, Bright House, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Google Fiber and Time Warner Cable have agreed to carry the channel and there’s word that Suddenlink is about to announce an agreement to pick it up as well.
The big fish that ESPN really wants to hook is DirecTV and that would just about complete its goal to getting SEC Network in 75 million homes nationwide. Earlier this week, DirecTV CEO Mike White talked with investors about the satellite providers quarterly earnings and said the service was close to an agreement for SEC Network.
White said DirecTV has agreed on rates to carry SEC Network and he’s optimistic that it will have it in time for the August 14 launch. As with other providers, it appears the deal to carry SEC Network will be part of a comprehensive deal with Disney that could also bring Longhorn Network to DirecTV’s Sports Pack as well as WatchESPN and WatchABC, two online services which subscribers have been yearning for.
The Houston Chronicle’s David Barron noted that Suddenlink will most likely announce the agreement to pick up SEC Network sometime next week.
Announcement on details & dates may be on hold until next week, but it appears the @Suddenlink deal w/Disney is done.
— David Barron (@dfbarron) August 2, 2014
With more providers picking up SEC Network and DirecTV about to come on board, it appears that this will be one of the most successful sports network launches on cable.
In addition to SEC Network, White told investors that DirecTV is still in an exclusive negotiating window with the NFL to renew Sunday Ticket, but says he’s confident a deal will get done soon.
And in regards to SportsNet LA, White says the two sides remain far apart, but is open to mediation.
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