Pac-12 Network Signs Deal With Dish Network

Early this morning, Dish Network officially signed an agreement with the Pac-12 Network to allow them to carry the network effective immediately. This is great news for Dish subscribers, but for those still subscribing to DirecTV, it could represent a permanent setback. In the press release from Dish Network, language was used that referred to Dish as the sole satellite provider of the Pac-12 Network. It isn’t confirmed that the Pac-12 Network no longer has interest in an agreement with DirecTV, and that statement could just mean that Dish is the only current carrier, but it certainly wouldn’t be surprising given the open animosity shown between the two entities in the past few weeks.

December 2, 2011; Eugene, OR, USA; Detailed view of the Pac-12 logo on an end zone pylon prior to the Pac-12 Championship game between the Oregon Ducks against the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

It will be interesting to see if DirecTV reacts to this announcement in any way, as it would certainly not be great for their base of west coast subscribers (mostly those that are football fans) if they never, ever plan on picking up the network. It is one thing for subscribers to hold on to future hope while going without certain Pac-12 football, but if it becomes clear that the situation is hopeless, I would think a great many people would switch their service to Dish or regular cable.

As a DirecTV subscriber, it is a decision I will have to face myself.