By Matthew W. Maxey | May 7, 2014 | Originally published in Sports & Entertainment Nashville
The Southeastern Conference, arguably the biggest brand in all of college athletics, is preparing to get bigger – much bigger. In August, the SEC will officially launch the new SEC Network, changing the landscape in which fans consume information and watch their favorite Southern teams both on television and online.
“The SEC Network will provide an unparalleled fan experience of top quality SEC content presented across the television network and its accompanying digital platforms,” stated SEC Commissioner Mike Slive during a press conference to announce the network.
The SEC, in partnership with ESPN, will launch a 24/7 broadcast network and online digital platform featuring more than 1,000 live sporting events per year – 450 televised on the network and 550 distributed digitally. Games that previously aired on regional networks like FOX Sports South and CSS will now all be available on the SEC Network and its digital platform.
The network will originate from ESPN’s Charlotte, N.C. offices, with additional staff located at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., headquarters. ESPN’s Justin Connolly will oversee the network’s day-to-day operations.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity,” Connolly said. “It is a great honor and a great responsibility to be part of this initiative. Our aim is to bring the passion and the identity of the SEC onto the screen.”
In its first year alone, the SEC Network will carry 45 football games, including weekly triple-headers during the 13-week regular season, plus a traveling pre-game show called “SEC Nation” hosted by Joe Tessitore alongside Paul Finebaum and Tim Tebow. Legendary broadcaster Brent Musburger and former Florida quarterback Jesse Palmer were announced as lead commentators for football games.
“I’m delighted to be staying with ESPN, thrilled to be able to call the best football conference in the nation every week,” Musburger said in a statement.
Beyond football, the network will also carry more than 100 men’s basketball games, 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games and 50 softball games, along with extensive coverage of the SEC’s 21 different conference championships.
As part of the agreement creating the new network, ESPN and the SEC agreed to extend their existing media rights agreement through 2034 – keeping ESPN partnered with the SEC for the next 20 years.
Tags: ESPN, SEC Network, Southeastern Conference