Cox to carry SEC Network from launch in August 2014

ESPN and Cox have reached an agreement for the cable company to carry the SEC Network from its launch on August 14, 2014, the network announced Wednesday.

"Cox is home to some of the biggest fans with five SEC schools in our markets," said Jill Campbell, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Cox Communications. "This is great news for alumni and fans across our footprint who will enjoy all the action and rivalries that have become synonymous with SEC sports."

...

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said: "The addition of Cox is another very important step in the development of the SEC Network, bringing millions more viewers nationwide to the network when it launches on August 14. As one of the largest cable television distributors in the U.S., including five states in the SEC footprint, this agreement with Cox has a significant impact on exposure for the SEC."

This news is especially big for Gainesville and much of North Central Florida, where Cox is often the leading (or only) cable provider available, and where just one other available cable/satellite provider, DISH Network, had previously announced it would carry the SEC Network.

And that matters for Florida early this fall, because the Gators' September games against Eastern Michigan and Kentucky will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Does this announcement mean you're sticking with or switching to Cox? If you're a DirecTV subscriber, are you thinking about switching, or holding out hope?

Let us know in the comments.