The Pac-12 Conference and DirecTv are currently working hard to get a deal done before the season so that more customers in Pac-12 states can have access to the Pac-12 Networks, an issue that has frustrated many over the past few years since Pac-12 Networks have never been available on DirecTV.
But there could be a glimmer of hope. Per Kyle Goon of the Salt Lake Tribune, “informal” discussions between both parties have been taking place since DirecTV was acquired by AT&T recently and both sides are working hard to get a deal done before the season starts on September 3. That also happens to be the day that the Pac-12’s Utah Utes open their season against Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines. Granted, that game is set to be broadcast on Fox Sports 1, but consider that Utah also has games this season against Pac-12 staples Oregon, USC, Arizona and others.
With at least some of those games set to be broadcast on the Pac-12 Networks, both the Pac-12 and DirecTV would be wise to finally get a deal done sooner rather than later. The Pac-12 has been growing in popularity in recent years and given how Oregon is the reigning runner-up from last year’s national championship game, the fact that a majority of fans with DirecTV in that region cannot view Pac-12 games is a borderline travesty.
A letter to the Pac-12 and DirecTV by three senators, including Utah’s Orrin Hatch, said the following:
“Beyond the burden and frustration placed on our fans in our states who are not able to watch their favorite teams compete,” it says, “we are also increasingly concerned about the potential long-term damage to our states’ flagship universities, which count on Pac-12 Networks to promote the university, its student athletes and its athletic programs.”
As both sides continue to work towards a deal, Campus Sports will update this story if any and all new information becomes available.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
