Although a rumor seemed to float around the Internet that the Pac-12 Network and DirecTV could be coming to a deal soon, it appears like it's all a lot of hot air. Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne confirmed as much.
Rumor about deal w/ @pac12 Networks & @directv sadly not true. Deal not close at this point. Come & see us at AZ Stadium Saturday.
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) September 6, 2012
It's not surprising considering the original reasons DirecTV and the Pac-12 Network probably broke off negotiations before the season began. The Pac-12 Network probably wasn't willing to compromise with DirecTV, or the Pac-12 Network wanted a lot more than DirecTV was willing to concede. You'll have to keep on putting the pressure on DirecTV to getting Pac-12 Network if you can't find another provider in your area.
This follows this letter the Pac-12 Network issued yesterday (which came soon after their ultimatum to DirecTV).
As we approach another weekend of thrilling Pac-12 football, the fact is that a number of providers including DirecTV, Dish, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon Fios and Charter Communications are still refusing to reach a fair agreement with us.
These providers all carry the Big Ten Network. Why are they giving Pac-12 fans the Big Ten, but not the Pac-12?
It's starting to look like the Pac-12 Network and DirecTV are taking the long approach to these negotiations. The Pac-12 Network probably wants the best possible deal which involves distribution of all seven channels to every segment of the country. DirecTV probably is trying to lowball the price in the short-run until more providers decide to pick up the channel and raise the overall value of the network.
Some of the nation will have to bleed a bit for their overall Pac-12 consumption, but the conference is thinking in its long-term best interests, and they don't want to get locked into subscriber fees that are way below what the conference originally demands.
Until sides are willing to budge (like DirecTV balking at the potential loss of subscribers when a USC football game goes on the air and coming to terms, or the Pac-12 Network changing their tune of what they want), it doesn't look a deal is happening anytime in the near future.