Pac-12 Networks Reportedly Rejects DirecTV Carriage Proposal

A source said that Pac-12 Networks has "rejected a proposal by DirecTV’s parent company, AT&T, that would have allowed carriage on the satellite provider but come at an enormous cost to the conference." The league’s presidents and chancellors "determined that AT&T’s requests would have compromised the networks’ business model and long-term profitability." The proposal "likely would have forced the Pac-12 Networks to redo their existing distribution deals at a lower subscription rate." AT&T is believed to have "wanted an equity stake in the networks" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 9/12).

Meanwhile, the Pac-12 on Friday released "preliminary proposals for increasing benefits for NCAA athletes." One of the concepts is to "allow its athletes to use their names, images and likenesses to promote their own non-athletic business ventures." The proposals will now "enter a review period by the NCAA D-1 council before going to a vote in January at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio" (L.A. TIMES, 9/12).