Satellite TV provider DirecTV issued a statement Thursday regarding its pursuit to have the SEC Network when it launches nationwide Aug. 14.
"We're in the middle of productive discussions with Disney over ESPN's new SEC Network and hope to be able to provide it as soon as we possibly can. Both DIRECTV and Disney understand and appreciate the unique bond between SEC teams and the communities they represent, many of which lack any professional teams. We are working cooperatively to ensure that everyone can still see their favorite SEC team play at the most reasonable value to all SEC fans and the rest of our customers throughout the Southeast."
The SEC Network will be operated by ESPN as part of a 20-year partnership, and feature coverage of Southeastern Conference sports, along with news/analysis programs and other content focusing on SEC schools.
So far, Dish Network, AT&T U-Verse, Cox Communications and Google Fiber have each agreed to carry the channel to about 27 million homes. Comcast is reportedly close to finalizing a deal.
DirecTV has more than 20 million subscribers.
Cox Communications, with 6 million subscribers is the nation's third largest cable provider, and, is a part of Cox Enterprises, which also owns the Atlanta Journal-Consitution.
