What is the SEC Network and who owns it?

The SEC Network is an American multinational sports network dedicated to covering collegiate sports sanctioned by the Southeastern Conference (SEC). It is owned by ESPN Inc., which operates as a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company, holding an 80% controlling interest, and Hearst Communications, holding the remaining 20%.

When did the SEC Network officially launch?

The SEC Network officially launched on August 14, 2014, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.

What was the first program aired on the SEC Network at its launch?

The SEC Network launched with the premiere of its news program, *SEC Now*, which featured live broadcasts from each SEC school and highlights from football training camps.

What was the very first live event produced by the SEC Network?

The first live event produced by the SEC Network was an exhibition women's soccer game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Creighton Bluejays, which was broadcast in its entirety via WatchESPN.

How does SEC Network+ differ from the main SEC Network?

SEC Network+ is the network's digital platform that streams Southeastern Conference events not broadcast on the linear television SEC Network. It is accessible through ESPN+, ESPN.com, and the ESPN app, often requiring a login from a pay television provider for SEC Network subscribers.

What is the ownership structure of ESPN Inc., the parent company of SEC Network?

ESPN Inc. is a joint venture, with The Walt Disney Company holding an 80% controlling ownership interest and Hearst Communications holding the remaining 20% interest.

Where are the SEC Network's operations headquartered?

The SEC Network's operations are based out of ESPN facilities in Charlotte, North Carolina. These facilities are shared with ESPN Events, operations for the ACC Network, and formerly ESPNU.

What was the SEC Network's predecessor?

The SEC Network serves as the successor to an eponymous syndication package that was later renamed SEC TV. This package was produced by ESPN Regional Television.

How many live events did the SEC Network plan to broadcast in its first year?

Within its first year, the SEC Network and its digital outlets planned to broadcast at least 1,000 live events, with a minimum of 450 of those events scheduled for television.

How does the SEC Network's football coverage compare to other major college football broadcasts?

For football, the SEC Network typically airs three Saturday games per week across early, afternoon, and evening windows. These are generally the less prominent games of the week, while CBS retains the first pick of games for its 3 p.m. ET *SEC on CBS* window. However, the SEC Network can air other games in that same window.

What steps did ESPN take to ensure programming capabilities for SEC schools?

ESPN worked closely with each SEC member school to ensure they had the necessary in-house production facilities capable of originating programming and live events for the SEC Network.

What is the name of the SEC Network's traveling pre-game show, and who hosts it?

The SEC Network airs *SEC Nation*, a traveling pre-game show similar to ESPN's *College GameDay*. It is hosted by ESPN commentator Laura Rutledge.

Who was hired as a college football analyst for the SEC Network in December 2013?

Former University of Florida, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow was hired by ESPN in December 2013 as a college football analyst, also making appearances on *SEC Nation*.

Who were named the lead game announcers for SEC Network's football telecasts in March 2014?

Brent Musburger and Jesse Palmer were named the lead game announcers for SEC Network's football telecasts in March 2014. This move resulted in Musburger no longer being assigned to *Saturday Night Football* or post-season bowl games.

Who replaced Brent Musburger on the flagship *SEC Saturday Night* broadcast?

After Brent Musburger left ESPN in 2017, the new team for *SEC Saturday Night* consisted of Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, and Cole Cubelic.

Which former SEC quarterback was hired as a college football analyst for the network in March 2014?

Greg McElroy, former quarterback for the University of Alabama and the New York Jets, was hired as a college football analyst for the SEC Network on a multi-year contract in March 2014.

When did Jordan Rodgers join the SEC Network as a college football analyst?

Jordan Rodgers, a former Vanderbilt University quarterback, was hired as a college football analyst for the SEC Network in August 2016.

Who was the first television provider to agree to carry the SEC Network?

AT&T U-verse was the first television provider announced to carry the SEC Network.

What carriage rate was ESPN reportedly seeking for the SEC Network?

According to *Sports Business Journal*, ESPN was seeking a carriage rate of $1.30 per subscriber per month in SEC markets and $0.25 per subscriber per month in non-SEC markets.

Which two major television providers had not reached a carriage deal before the SEC Network's launch?

The two major television providers that had not reached a carriage deal prior to the SEC Network's launch were Verizon FiOS and Cablevision.

Did Verizon FiOS eventually carry the SEC Network?

Yes, Verizon FiOS reached a deal to carry the SEC Network on August 21, 2014, specifically in its Texas and Florida service areas, which are within the SEC footprint.

How did the SEC Network become available on the International Space Station?

NASA arranged for the SEC Network to be made available on the International Space Station, likely through a deal involving its Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers, which are located within SEC territory.

What programming from the SEC Network is available on Sirius XM?

Some of the SEC Network's programming is carried on Sirius XM, including *The Paul Finebaum Show*, which airs on ESPN Xtra, and as part of Sirius XM SEC Radio, launched in March 2018.

What streaming services offer the SEC Network?

The SEC Network is carried by several streaming services, including Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Vidgo.

When did the SEC Network become available internationally?

Outside the United States, the SEC Network became available in Mexico in 2017.

What is the picture format of the SEC Network?

The SEC Network broadcasts in 720p high-definition television (HDTV). For standard-definition television (SDTV) sets, the HD feed is downgraded and presented in a letterboxed 480i format.

What was the purpose of the SEC Network's launch in relation to other conference networks?

The launch of the SEC Network, along with the Big Ten Network and Pac-12 Network, established dedicated cable television networks focused entirely on a single college athletics conference, aiming to provide unparalleled content and innovative production.

What is the significance of Charlotte, North Carolina, as the operational hub for the SEC Network?

While Charlotte is not itself an SEC market, its proximity to conference member universities and its shared television market with parts of South Carolina (home to the Gamecocks) made it a strategic location for the network's operations.

What was the duration of the initial agreement between the SEC and ESPN for the SEC Network?

The initial agreement between the SEC and ESPN for the SEC Network was a long-term, 20-year deal, set to last through 2034.

What role did the Longhorn Network play in the development of the SEC Network?

ESPN had launched the University of Texas-specific Longhorn Network in 2011, and its implementation and original staff provided direction and resources for the subsequent launch of the SEC Network.

What was the first non-sports series launched by the SEC Network, and what was its focus?

In 2018, the SEC Network premiered its first non-sports series, *True South*. This series featured food writer John T. Edge traveling throughout the Southeast to highlight local cuisine and history.

How does the SEC Network handle events that are not broadcast on linear television?

Events not broadcast on television are streamed online through ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and ESPN+ under the branding of SEC Network+.

What is the approximate household reach of the SEC Network as of August 2016?

As of August 2016, the SEC Network was estimated to be available in approximately 70 million television households in the United States.

What is the significance of the SEC Network subsuming the scope of the Longhorn Network in July 2024?

The SEC Network subsumed the scope of the Longhorn Network in July 2024 following the Texas Longhorns' move from the Big 12 Conference to the SEC, integrating their coverage into the broader SEC Network platform.

What is the purpose of the annual 24-hour takeovers by each SEC school on the network?

In late July or early August, the SEC Network airs a marathon where each of the conference's 16 schools 'takes over' the network for 24 hours, airing various sporting events from the previous season and classic games.

Who are the current full members of the Southeastern Conference as listed in the provided navbox?

The current full members of the Southeastern Conference are Alabama (Crimson Tide), Arkansas (Razorbacks), Auburn (Tigers), Florida (Gators), Georgia (Bulldogs), Kentucky (Wildcats), LSU (Tigers), Mississippi State University (Bulldogs), Missouri (Tigers), Oklahoma (Sooners), Ole Miss (Rebels), South Carolina (Gamecocks), Tennessee (Volunteers), Texas (Longhorns), Texas A&M (Aggies), and Vanderbilt (Commodores).

What is the relationship between SEC Network and ESPN Radio?

The Paul Finebaum Show, hosted by Paul Finebaum, is simulcast by SEC Network and also airs on ESPN Radio, connecting the network's programming with national radio coverage.

What is the official website address provided for SEC Network webcasts?

The official website address provided for SEC Network webcasts is www.espn.com.au/watch/. Access to content requires login from a pay television provider.

What is the stated goal of the SEC Network regarding content and production?

The network aimed to provide 'unparalleled content from one of the most competitive conferences in the country with the highest quality, most innovative production partner in the sports industry'.

What are the two headquarters locations mentioned for the SEC Network?

The SEC Network lists two headquarters locations: Bristol, Connecticut, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

What are some of the sister channels of the SEC Network under ESPN Inc.?

Some of the sister channels of the SEC Network include ESPN on ABC, ESPN, ESPN (streaming service), ESPN+, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, and the ACC Network.

What is the typical role of games broadcast on the SEC Network during the football season?

Typically, the games aired on the SEC Network during the football season are the least prominent games of the week, broadcast in early, afternoon, and evening windows on Saturdays.

What is the meaning of the 'O' and 'P' notations next to some sports packages in the navboxes?

The 'O' notation signifies 'Out-of-market sports packages', which allow viewers to watch games from teams not local to their region. The 'P' notation indicates a 'Premium channel', suggesting it may require an additional subscription or be part of a higher tier package.

Sec Network Wiki: SEC Network: The Pulse of Collegiate Athletics

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Network Overview

Dedicated Collegiate Coverage

The SEC Network (SECN) is a specialized American sports network, a joint venture between ESPN Inc. (80% ownership by The Walt Disney Company) and Hearst Communications (20%). It is exclusively dedicated to broadcasting collegiate sports sanctioned by the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This includes live and recorded event telecasts, news, analysis, and a wide array of content focused on the conference's member institutions.¹

Extensive Reach

Launched on August 14, 2014, the SEC Network quickly established a significant presence. By August 2016, it was available in approximately 70 million television households across the United States. This broad distribution surpassed many other conference-dedicated sports networks and even some professional league networks, underscoring its rapid market penetration.³

Operational Hub

The network's operations are primarily based out of ESPN facilities in Bristol, Connecticut, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte location serves as a central hub, sharing space with ESPN Events, operations for the ACC Network, and formerly ESPNU. While Charlotte is not an SEC market itself, its proximity to SEC member universities and its shared market with the South Carolina Gamecocks' territory made it a strategic location.⁴⁵

Network Genesis

Strategic Partnership

The foundation for the SEC Network was laid on May 2, 2013, when SEC Commissioner Michael Slive and ESPN president John Skipper announced a landmark 20-year agreement. This collaboration formalized ESPN's commitment to launching a dedicated network for the conference, alongside an accompanying digital platform, commencing in August 2014. The experience gained from launching the University of Texas-specific Longhorn Network in 2011 provided valuable insights and personnel for the SEC Network's development.⁴⁵

Launch and Inaugural Events

The official launch date was set for August 14, 2014, with the premiere of the news program SEC Now. The network's inaugural live regular season football games aired on August 28, 2014, featuring matchups between Texas A&M and South Carolina, and Temple and Vanderbilt.² The network's programming strategy aimed to provide unparalleled coverage of the conference's competitive landscape, joining other single-conference networks like the Big Ten Network and Pac-12 Network.⁴⁵

Evolving Landscape

In July 2024, the SEC Network's scope expanded to encompass the programming previously handled by the Longhorn Network, following the University of Texas's transition into the conference from the Big 12.¹⁰¹¹ This integration reflects the dynamic nature of collegiate athletics and media rights.

Content Spectrum

Comprehensive Sports Coverage

SEC Network broadcasts events across all 21 sports sponsored by the conference. Within its initial year, the network and its digital platforms planned to air at least 1,000 live events, with a minimum of 450 televised. For football, it typically airs three Saturday games weekly, often featuring matchups that are not the primary national broadcast, alongside other conference games.⁴

Studio and Analysis Programs

Beyond live events, the network features original content, including studio and analysis programs. Notable shows include The Paul Finebaum Show, simulcast from ESPN Radio, and SEC Nation, a traveling pre-game show analogous to ESPN's College GameDay. The network also airs encore presentations and classic games involving SEC member schools.⁴⁷

Digital Streaming (SECN+)

Events not broadcast on the linear television channel are streamed online via ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and ESPN+ under the SEC Network+ (SECN+) branding. This digital extension ensures comprehensive coverage, allowing fans to access a wider array of SEC content.¹³¹⁴

Accessing the Network

Traditional Cable and Satellite

Upon its launch, the SEC Network secured carriage agreements with numerous major providers, including AT&T U-verse, Dish Network, Google Fiber, Cox Communications, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Cable One, Wide Open West, Suddenlink Communications, DirecTV, and C Spire Wireless. These agreements ensured widespread availability across SEC markets and beyond.²⁶²⁸³²³³³⁴³⁶³⁷³⁸³⁹⁴⁰⁴¹⁴²

Streaming Services

The network is also accessible through various live TV streaming services, providing flexibility for cord-cutters and those preferring digital platforms. Key providers include Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Vidgo, offering access to SEC Network content as part of their sports packages.⁴⁵⁴⁶

International Availability

Beyond the United States, the SEC Network has expanded its reach internationally. It became available in Mexico in 2017, extending its coverage to a broader global audience interested in SEC collegiate sports.⁴⁷

Corporate Structure

ESPN Inc. and Partners

SEC Network is operated by ESPN Inc., a significant joint venture. The Walt Disney Company holds a controlling 80% interest, while Hearst Communications holds the remaining 20%. This ownership structure leverages the extensive resources and broadcasting expertise of both media giants.¹

Sister Networks and Ventures

As part of the ESPN portfolio, SEC Network is closely aligned with other ESPN-branded channels and digital platforms. These include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ACC Network, and the digital streaming service ESPN+. The network also benefits from the broader ecosystem of ESPN's media ventures, including its website, radio, and event management divisions.^{ESPN Inc.}

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Sec Network" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about sec_network while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

jay pierrepont moffat jr.

japan international cooperation agency

flight control surfaces

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the SEC Network Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available sources for educational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and completeness based on the provided data, it may not reflect the most current status or all nuances of the SEC Network.

This is not professional advice. The content herein is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or professional guidance regarding sports broadcasting, media rights, or collegiate athletics business operations. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

SEC Network: The Pulse of Collegiate Athletics

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Network Overview ℹ️

🏈 Dedicated Collegiate Coverage

🌍 Extensive Reach

📍 Operational Hub

Network Genesis 📜

🤝 Strategic Partnership

🚀 Launch and Inaugural Events

🔄 Evolving Landscape

Content Spectrum 🎙️

⚽ Comprehensive Sports Coverage

🗣️ Studio and Analysis Programs

💻 Digital Streaming (SECN+)

Accessing the Network 📺

📡 Traditional Cable and Satellite

☁️ Streaming Services

🌐 International Availability

Corporate Structure 🏢

💼 ESPN Inc. and Partners

🔗 Sister Networks and Ventures

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Network Overview

Dedicated Collegiate Coverage

Extensive Reach

Operational Hub

Network Genesis

Strategic Partnership

Launch and Inaugural Events

Evolving Landscape

Content Spectrum

Comprehensive Sports Coverage

Studio and Analysis Programs

Digital Streaming (SECN+)

Accessing the Network

Traditional Cable and Satellite

Streaming Services

International Availability

Corporate Structure

ESPN Inc. and Partners

Sister Networks and Ventures

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice