Comcast reaches deal for SEC Network

photo SEC Southeastern Conference
photo A vehicle displays the Comcast logo.

Chattanooga-area Comcast Xfinity subscribers can breathe easy.

The SEC Network will be available on the Aug. 14 launch date, which is two weeks before the network opens its college football broadcast schedule with Texas A&M's visit to South Carolina.

ESPN and Comcast Cable announced an agreement Friday for carrying the SEC Network, which annually will televise 45 football games, 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, 75 baseball games and other events from the league's 21 sports.

"We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with ESPN to deliver the SEC Network to Xfinity TV customers on multiple platforms," Comcast Cable general manager Matt Strauss said in a released statement. "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."

Tennessee's games against Utah State on Aug. 31 and Arkansas State on Sept. 6 will be televised on the league network.

According to a joint release, Comcast subscribers will 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 any time, anywhere on their television, computer, tablet or mobile device.

The addition of Comcast Cable makes the SEC Network available to 46 million households across the country.

"We're thrilled to have Comcast on board as a distributor for the launch of the SEC Network on August 14," ESPN senior vice president Justin Connolly said. "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."

The SEC and ESPN signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate the multiplatform network.

"With more than three weeks still to go before launch, we are pleased to add Comcast, the largest cable television distributor in the country," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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