The Pac-12 Networks on Thursday announced all six regional feeds -- "that means all the live events -- will be available through Sling TV" beginning Friday, according to Jon Wilner of the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. This is the nets’ "first partnership with an over-the-top distributor" and is a "big deal for the conference from an exposure standpoint." It also could "help on the revenue side, as well." Sling "costs $20 per month for basic service." The packages that will "feature the Pac12Nets cost an additional $5 or $10." If the deal is "structured like the standing agreements with Comcast and Dish ... then it's approximately $0.80 per sub per month within the footprint." Wilner: "Will it add pressure on DirecTV/AT&T to negotiate seriously?" To this point, there is no reason to believe serious, brink-of-a-deal negotiations are taking place" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 9/8).
SAME AS IT EVER WAS: Pac-12 Networks President Lydia Murphy-Stephans as part of a Q&A with the L.A. TIMES' Stephen Battaglio was asked about the possibility of DirecTV making a deal with the net. She said, "I would love to say very hopeful, but that’s not something I’m in control of. We’re frustrated on behalf of our fans. We definitely have put forth what we believe to be interesting and well-thought-out proposals that will allow DirecTV to carry Pac-12 Networks. I hope consumers who really want Pac-12 Networks (will) impress that upon their carrier" (L.A. TIMES, 9/9).
