SEC’s new network with ESPN to debut in 2014

The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have announced a 20-year agreement to operate a SEC network that is scheduled to debut in August 2014.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said Thursday the SEC network will produce 1,000 live events each year, including 450 televised on the network and 550 distributed digitally.

Slive says the network will carry approximately 45 SEC football games “and a depth of content across all sports” each year.

The network and its digital extensions will connect with each SEC institution and create opportunities for each school to produce and develop content.

No financial terms were released for the deal, which continues through 2034.

The announcement came at a news conference attended by Slive, ESPN President John Skipper, 32 SEC coaches and each of the league’s 14 athletic directors.

ESPN senior vice president Justin Connolly says AT&T U-Verse has signed on as the network’s first distributor.