DISH Provides SEC Network Nationally Beginning Today

By: Aug. 14, 2014
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ESPN and DISH (NASDAQ: DISH) have reached an agreement for nationwide carriage of the SEC Network on DISH when the multiplatform network launches today, August 14, 2014. The deal is part of a larger comprehensive long-term distribution agreement announced by DISH and the Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). DISH is the SEC Network's first nationwide television provider.

The channel will be available to fans and followers of the Southeastern Conference in DISH's America's Top 120+ and higher packages across the country. DISH subscribers will also have authenticated access to additional live events scheduled for the SEC Network's digital platform, with the ability to watch SEC Network content anytime, anywhere on their television, computer, tablet or mobile device.

"Few fan bases rival the passion and loyalty of the SEC, and DISH is proud to be the first nationwide television provider of the SEC Network," said Dave Shull, DISH executive Vice president and chief commercial officer. "We strive to give our customers and consumers what they want, and there's no better place for the college sports fan than with DISH."

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.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said, "This is an important day for the SEC Network. We are pleased to welcome DISH to the SEC family. More than five months ahead of the network launch, it's exciting to have a national distributor and our first satellite provider onboard. Now SEC fans from across the country have another way to show their conference pride and sign up to get the SEC Network."

"This agreement provides DISH customers nationwide with access to every SEC College Football game this fall and an unparalleled fan experience of more SEC content than ever before," said Justin Connolly, ESPN senior Vice president, college networks.

Details on the SEC Network's channel number will be available on www.dish.com at a later date. Financial terms and other details of the agreement were not disclosed.

About DISH

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides approximately 14.057 million satellite TV customers, as of Dec. 31, 2013, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. Subscribers enjoy a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

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 in August 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 approximately 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 studio shows, original content such as SEC Storied, spring football games, signing day and pro days coverage. Hundreds of additional live events from various sports will be offered exclusively on the digital platform. AT&T U-Verse, DISH and National Rural Telecommunications cooperative (NRTC) have agreed to carry the SEC Network.

DISH to Deliver Longhorn Network to Texas Fans Nationwide

ESPN and DISH (NASDAQ: DISH) have reached an agreement for DISH to carry Longhorn Network (LHN), the 24/7 channel devoted to the University of Texas, within the state of Texas and nationwide. The deal is part of a larger announcement made by DISH and the Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).

The channel will be available to DISH customers in the America's Top 120+ and higher packages nationwide later this summer. In addition, DISH customers who receive LHN as part of their satellite service will be able to enjoy the network's exclusive live events and content on their computers and iOS devices - at home or on-the-go.

"DISH is the best place for college sports fans to follow the teams they love," said Dave Shull, DISH executive Vice president and chief commercial officer. "ESPN has a long tradition of delivering the best in sports, and we are proud to be the first nationwide television provider of the Longhorn Network."

LHN launched in 2011 and televises more than 175 athletic events in 20 sports annually, as well as academic and cultural programming from in and around the greater Austin community. DISH customers have access to exclusive Longhorn games, Texas coaches' shows, dedicated pre- and post-game football coverage, basketball and baseball games, nightly news/information programming, in-depth features and all-access content and programs covering the history and pride of Texas athletics.

"We are excited to have DISH join the growing list of LHN providers," said University of Texas Men's Athletics Director Steve Patterson. "UT fans nationwide will now have access to this award-winning network that does such a great job in covering our university's sports and academics programs. As we have said from day one, this is a long-term commitment and we are very proud of our partnership with ESPN."

"This agreement with DISH presents a tremendous opportunity to bring Longhorn Network's robust content offerings to Texas fans across the country," said ESPN's Justin Connolly, senior Vice president, college networks.

The deal between ESPN and DISH more than doubles LHN's national distribution. Details on LHN's channel number will be available on www.dish.com at a later date. Financial terms and other details of the agreement were not disclosed.

About DISH

DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides approximately 14.057 million satellite TV customers, as of Dec. 31, 2013, with the highest quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. Subscribers enjoy a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

About Longhorn Network

ESPN has a 20-year agreement to own and operate a year-round, 24-hour network dedicated to Texas athletics in partnership with UT and IMG College. Longhorn Network offers a variety of content, highlighted by more than 175 exclusive events annually from 20 sports, original series and studio shows, historical programming and academic and cultural happenings.



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