[Farm93]

Surprise! The Dish Network, which usually lags well behind DirecTV on sports programming, seems to be close to a deal for the Pac-12 Network. At least, that's what the conference says.

http://pac-12.com/portals/0/content/ente...index.html

That would be an important development because DirecTV cannot miss an independent sports channel that is on DISH.  DirecTV's promotions seem to emphasize that best choice for sports stuff, so my guess is the conference can get DirecTV to move if Dish is in the fold.

For perspective though, the BigTen Network is 51% owned by Fox.  The BigTen network launched in 2008, but even with the power of Fox it took until 2008 for the BigTen to get the level of distribution they have today.  The Pac-12 Network is independent, partnered with cable provideres, and is only in the first month of broadcasting.  It will take time.  Major channels have been temporary kicked off the DirecTV lineup, it is all part of the game.

FWIW - I would be shocked if the Pac-12 is not kicked off DirecTV once this first contract expires.

It is a crazy game, but it is a negotiating game.  The five or ten year plan will probably be maximized if a few games here are lost on the front end.  I definitely believe that SC vs UCB will be on DirecTV for those willing to pay for the appropriate Choice level. 

Now, the Pac-12 negotiating plan probably falls apart if SC falls to Stanford before that SC v Cal game.  So while I want the Pac-12 Network to be on DirecTV, I sure would not be too disappointed if DirecTV discovers that one loss SC is not exactly must carry TV. 

[Farm93]

Surprise! The Dish Network, which usually lags well behind DirecTV on sports programming, seems to be close to a deal for the Pac-12 Network. At least, that's what the conference says.

http://pac-12.com/portals/0/content/ente...index.html

That would be an important development because DirecTV cannot miss an independent sports channel that is on DISH.  DirecTV's promotions seem to emphasize that best choice for sports stuff, so my guess is the conference can get DirecTV to move if Dish is in the fold.

For perspective though, the BigTen Network is 51% owned by Fox.  The BigTen network launched in 2008, but even with the power of Fox it took until 2008 for the BigTen to get the level of distribution they have today.  The Pac-12 Network is independent, partnered with cable provideres, and is only in the first month of broadcasting.  It will take time.  Major channels have been temporary kicked off the DirecTV lineup, it is all part of the game.

FWIW - I would be shocked if the Pac-12 is not kicked off DirecTV once this first contract expires.

It is a crazy game, but it is a negotiating game.  The five or ten year plan will probably be maximized if a few games here are lost on the front end.  I definitely believe that SC vs UCB will be on DirecTV for those willing to pay for the appropriate Choice level. 

Now, the Pac-12 negotiating plan probably falls apart if SC falls to Stanford before that SC v Cal game.  So while I want the Pac-12 Network to be on DirecTV, I sure would not be too disappointed if DirecTV discovers that one loss SC is not exactly must carry TV.