The Pac-12 and cable provider DirecTV failed to reach a distribution deal for the athletic conference’s new television network, set to debut this year with a full slate of college football.
In a Thursday press release, the conference acknowledged an agreement couldn’t be reached and urged fans “in jeopardy of missing games” to seek out a cable provider that does carry the nascent network.
“The good news is that most Pac-12 fans have options,” the release reads. “These fans can switch their television service to one of the more than 30 distributors that offer Pac-12 Networks, including Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cox. These providers offer … full season lineups, including some of the most thrilling games of the season and TV everywhere.”
The release also includes a link to a “Pac-12 Networks Channel Finder,” ostensibly so DirecTV users can switch their service.
The move is the latest in the power struggle between the conference and the Viacom-owned service provider that touts itself as “America’s #1 satellite TV” option. Previously, DirecTV issued a statement saying, to the effect, it believed fans would be satisfied with the options found on its networks.
In the first four weeks of the football season, the Pac-12 Network will feature two matchups between Oregon and nonconference opponents at Autzen.