ESPN Reaches Agreement to Carry SEC Network for August 14, 2014 Debut with LUS Fiber, Wilkes Telephone and PTC Communications

ESPN has reached an agreement to carry the SEC Network at launch on August 14, 2014 to three independent cable operators: LUS Fiber, Wilkes Telephone and PTC Communications. The deal will allow fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference to access the multiplatform network across each operator's markets.

"The demand for the SEC Network is coming from all levels of operators," said Sean Breen, Disney and ESPN Media Networks senior vice president, affiliate sales. "With these latest agreements with LUS Fiber, Wilkes Telephone and PTC Communications, we continue to grow our distribution footprint both in SEC territories and nationwide so that fans will be able to access the network's quality content and services in time for launch on August 14."

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.

About SEC Network

The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate a multiplatform network which will launch August 14, 2014. The new network and its accompanying digital platform will air SEC content 24/7 including more than 1,000 events in its first year. The network will televise 45 SEC football games, more than 100 men's basketball games, 60 women's basketball games, 75 baseball games, and events from across the SEC's 21 sports annually. Programming will also include in-depth commentary and analysis in studio shows, daily news and information original content such as SEC Storied, spring football games, and more. Hundreds of additional live events from various sports will be offered exclusively on the digital platform.