This season has been nothing short of transformative for the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With the arrival of powerhouse programs like Oklahoma and Texas, the SEC has waved goodbye to its traditional divisions. But perhaps the most significant shift has been in the realm of television, as the league’s new media rights deal with ABC has officially kicked off.
TV Ratings Soar for SEC on ABC
As the SEC bids farewell to its long-standing partnership with CBS, ABC has stepped in as the exclusive home for the conference. The results have been remarkable. Over the first 11 weeks of the season, the SEC on ABC has emerged as a ratings juggernaut, with the conference’s games being the most-watched five times. In fact, the SEC had three games land in the Top 5 most-watched games on seven occasions, according to data compiled by Sports Media Watch. Talk about a strong start to a 10-year, $3 billion agreement that was finalized back in late 2020!
More Broadcast Opportunities for Fans
One of the key advantages of this new deal is the increased access to SEC games. Previously, CBS provided 15 broadcast windows for the conference. Now, with ABC at the helm, that number has soared into the high 20s. Commissioner Greg Sankey expressed his enthusiasm about this shift, stating, “I felt it was critically important for us to have access to more broadcast television opportunities.” More windows mean more chances for fans across America to engage with the excitement and pageantry of SEC football. Isn’t that what college football is all about?
A New Era of SEC Football
The SEC’s agreement with ABC runs through 2034, making it one of the most lucrative media rights deals in the country. Last year, the Big Ten kicked off its own impressive seven-year, $7 billion deal with FOX, CBS, and NBC. However, the SEC’s exclusive partnership with ABC now means that fans will no longer have to split their attention between networks. With CBS now focused on its Big Ten coverage, SEC fans can enjoy uninterrupted action on ABC.
The Excitement of Game Day
Sankey reflected on the success of the partnership during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show. “When we struck that deal, I had hoped that maybe one or two times, we’d have this noon, midday, and primetime opportunity for the SEC on ABC, and we’ve seen that over and over,” he said. The SEC typically has three time slots on ABC: Noon ET, 3:30 p.m. ET, and 7:30 p.m. ET. While ABC occasionally features other marquee matchups, like Notre Dame vs. Navy and Miami vs. Duke, the SEC has certainly made its mark.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Sankey is eager to see how interest in SEC football continues to grow. “I think we’ve – it’s football, I guess we’ve hit a long touchdown pass or it’s been a home run to this point,” he remarked. The promotional efforts from ABC, led by Jimmy Pitaro and his team, have played a significant role in this success. “There are so many people that planned for this for so long, and to see it work so well is really rewarding and encouraging for our future,” he added.
What This Means for the Future
The SEC’s transition to ABC is more than just a change in networks; it’s a signal of the conference’s growing prominence in college football. With the sport evolving and fan engagement on the rise, the SEC is positioning itself as a powerhouse not just on the field but also in the media landscape. The excitement surrounding SEC football is palpable, and the new TV deal is a testament to the league’s commitment to delivering thrilling matchups to fans.
In a world where college football continues to captivate millions, the SEC’s partnership with ABC is a game changer. With more access, higher ratings, and an enthusiastic fan base, the future looks incredibly bright for the SEC. Fans can look forward to many more thrilling Saturdays filled with unforgettable moments, electrifying plays, and the kind of passion that only college football can deliver. So, as we dive deeper into the season, one thing is clear: SEC football is here to stay, and it’s only getting better!
