Univ. of Colorado AD Rick George and many of his colleagues around the Pac-12 "are hopeful that a recent takeover of DirecTV by AT&T will lead to a long-awaited distribution deal between DirecTV and the Pac-12 Networks," according to Kyle Ringo of the Boulder DAILY CAMERA. That agreement would "put the Pac-12 Networks in millions of homes it doesn't currently have access to." A deal with DirecTV would also "bolster the Pac-12 Networks' long-term potential for larger revenues and distributions to member institutions." George said that there is "a lot to like about the Pac-12 Networks." He said that the fact that the conference owns 100% of the network "is a positive" and added that broadcasting 850 live events throughout the year on the networks "provides each of the schools unprecedented exposure." But he believes the conference "has to reach a broader level of distribution on its own through more distribution deals or sell a part of the network to Fox or ESPN or another large television network in order to give the conference greater leverage for gaining the necessary distribution." George: "It's not reaching as many people as those other two networks (Big Ten and SEC). However, whether we go on our own or go forward with a partner, I think that's yet to be seen." George said Pac-12 ADs, chancellors and presidents "discussed the future of the network this spring and whether or not to press ahead owning 100 percent of the network or whether to bring on a partner, the model in use by the Big Ten and SEC" (Boulder DAILY CAMERA, 7/30).
