SEC lands DirecTV

DirecTV has reached a deal with ESPN to carry the SEC Network when it launches. The announced agreement Monday means the network will be available in 87 million households when it goes on the air on Aug. 14. DirecTV has about 20 million customers in the United States. ESPN had already announced deals with other major satellite and cable providers, including Dish Network, Time Warner Cable and Comcast Cable. The network will air at least 45 SEC football games this season, starting with Texas A&M-South Carolina on Aug. 28. ESPN and the SEC reached a 20-year deal through 2034 to create and operate the network. – AP