The Big Ten is printing money with the Big Ten Network. The SEC Network celebrated a wildly successful first year on the air. Meanwhile, the Pac-12 Network continues to fight an uphill battle compared to its power conference brethren. Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott has continued to promote the Pac-12 Networks, but accessibility issues continue to plague around Pac-12 states and fans are right to be frustrated. Could this all be solved before the start of the new college football season? If not, it will not be for a lack of trying.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports the Pac-12 is working hard on finalizing a deal with DirecTV by September 3 to make the Pac-12 Networks available in more homes of Pac-12 fans. The continued standoff between the Pac-12 and DirecTV has been an infuriating one for many fans, but AT&T’s recent purchase of the satellite provider has provided a glimmer of hope to those unable to watch any number of football games in recent falls. AT&T recently purchased DirecTV, with over 4 million customers residing in Pac-12 states.
Not having the Pac-12 Networks available to so many fans in Pac-12 states has even become a bit of a political issue, with a trio of United States senators using their weight to call for an agreement between the two sides, the Pac-12 and AT&T.
“Beyond the burden and frustration placed on our fans in our states who are not able to watch their favorite teams compete, 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,” a letter drafted by the three senators reads, per The Salt Lake Tribune.
Hang in there, suffering Pac-12 fans. Your day will soon come, hopefully.