[Farm93]

When the new (and improved) SEC network gets on DirecTV we will all know the deal.  SEC fans, and even SEC states, will switch providers to watch their conference.  Pac-12 fans, and certainly Pac-12 states, are not quite as loyal.  Result?  SEC will be on DirecTV (at any price the SEC commands).  Pac-12 will not.

Not blaming Scott or the Pac-12 conference as the reality is the citizens of the West are not as passionately loyal and DirecTV seems to have done just enough research to know the Pac-12 fans would not switch just for Pac-12 content.

For those that are very passionate, there are providers available.  Those unwilling to switch are exactly where DirecTV thought their customers would be with this thing.  A touch discontent, but still loyal to DirecTV.

[Farm93]

When the new (and improved) SEC network gets on DirecTV we will all know the deal.  SEC fans, and even SEC states, will switch providers to watch their conference.  Pac-12 fans, and certainly Pac-12 states, are not quite as loyal.  Result?  SEC will be on DirecTV (at any price the SEC commands).  Pac-12 will not.

Not blaming Scott or the Pac-12 conference as the reality is the citizens of the West are not as passionately loyal and DirecTV seems to have done just enough research to know the Pac-12 fans would not switch just for Pac-12 content.

For those that are very passionate, there are providers available.  Those unwilling to switch are exactly where DirecTV thought their customers would be with this thing.  A touch discontent, but still loyal to DirecTV.

[StanFan88]

DirecTV isn't hurting because it still has a monopoly on the NFL Sunday Ticket.  I believe this is the last year of that deal.  When that goes, DirecTV will start losing subscribers in large numbers.

[StanFan88]

DirecTV isn't hurting because it still has a monopoly on the NFL Sunday Ticket.  I believe this is the last year of that deal.  When that goes, DirecTV will start losing subscribers in large numbers.

[OutsiderFan]

The only reason I haven't switched from DirecTV to get Pac-12 Networks is because of First Row Sports.  If that site in Europe didn't exist, I'd probably have to break down and get a provider that carries the networks.  It isn't great watching the games online, but it is way better than not being able to see them period.

[OutsiderFan]

The only reason I haven't switched from DirecTV to get Pac-12 Networks is because of First Row Sports.  If that site in Europe didn't exist, I'd probably have to break down and get a provider that carries the networks.  It isn't great watching the games online, but it is way better than not being able to see them period.

[Farm93]

The only reason I haven't switched from DirecTV to get Pac-12 Networks is because of First Row Sports.  If that site in Europe didn't exist, I'd probably have to break down and get a provider that carries the networks.  It isn't great watching the games online, but it is way better than not being able to see them period.

No doubt that First Row Sports and the others like them are negatively impacting the Pac-12 conference in a very direct way.  Stanford, as the wealthiest school with the largest AD budget, probably can weather the transition and the piracy for a while, but many schools in this conference really need the Pac-12 network money.  The piracy only enhances DirecTV's position.  And the piracy definitely will also impact the Pac-12 nets ability to drive their future online model too.

In this case it is probably better to participate in a conference with less tech savvy citizens.

[Farm93]

The only reason I haven't switched from DirecTV to get Pac-12 Networks is because of First Row Sports.  If that site in Europe didn't exist, I'd probably have to break down and get a provider that carries the networks.  It isn't great watching the games online, but it is way better than not being able to see them period.

No doubt that First Row Sports and the others like them are negatively impacting the Pac-12 conference in a very direct way.  Stanford, as the wealthiest school with the largest AD budget, probably can weather the transition and the piracy for a while, but many schools in this conference really need the Pac-12 network money.  The piracy only enhances DirecTV's position.  And the piracy definitely will also impact the Pac-12 nets ability to drive their future online model too.

In this case it is probably better to participate in a conference with less tech savvy citizens.

[washingtonismoney]

Stanford, as the wealthiest school with the largest AD budget, probably can weather the transition and the piracy for a while, but many schools in this conference really need the Pac-12 network money. 

I don't know about that -- if the reporting from Wilner et. al. is to be believed, the Pac-12 has been pretty clear to its members that network money won't be an immediate windfall to schools' budgets (though apparently it turned a profit this year). I suppose some over-zealous ADs may have spent in advance, but that seems unbelievably foolish.

OTOH, the money from the deal with ESPN and Fox starts coming next year. That's what schools are budgeting on.

[washingtonismoney]

Stanford, as the wealthiest school with the largest AD budget, probably can weather the transition and the piracy for a while, but many schools in this conference really need the Pac-12 network money. 

I don't know about that -- if the reporting from Wilner et. al. is to be believed, the Pac-12 has been pretty clear to its members that network money won't be an immediate windfall to schools' budgets (though apparently it turned a profit this year). I suppose some over-zealous ADs may have spent in advance, but that seems unbelievably foolish.

OTOH, the money from the deal with ESPN and Fox starts coming next year. That's what schools are budgeting on.