Pac-12 commissioner: RSN will get carriage on DirecTV if AT&T buyout approved

The Pac-12 Networks will finally arrive on the program guides of DirecTV (NASDAQ: DTV) if AT&T's proposed acquisition of the satellite service passes regulatory muster.

Colorado football Pac-12 Networks

(Image source: Pac-12 Networks)

"If the sale goes through, we already have a deal in place with AT&T," said Larry Scott, commissioner of the Pac-12 collegiate athletic conference, speaking to the Los Angeles Times Thursday. "That gives me optimism for the future."

Pac-12 Networks has had a carriage deal in place with AT&T U-verse (NYSE: T) since September 2013. On Thursday, DirecTV shareholders voted nearly unanimously to approve AT&T's takeover. The deal is still pending approval by the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice. But if the pact goes through by the middle of 2015 as expected, carriage of the regional sports network on DirecTV could start in time for next football season.

The Pac-12 launched its regional sports network independently in 2012, in contrast with other conference-backed RSNs, such as the SEC Network, which features a powerful backer in ESPN.

To date, the Pac-12 Network hasn't been able to come to terms with DirecTV, which has a huge presence in the conference's West Coast markets, including Los Angeles.

The Pac-12 is reportedly demanding around 80 cents per subscriber in the conference's footprint, which is significantly less than what the SEC and Big Ten command in the regions where their schools are situated. However, DirecTV has expressed concerns that many of the key Pac-12 games are already shown by national networks. Saturday night's anticipated football showdown between USC and Oregon State will be shown on ESPN, for example.

For more:
- read this Los Angeles Times story

Related links:
Pac-12 commissioner Scott: DirecTV will only negotiate with conglomerates
Playing the SportsNet LA blame game: Include the fans and the team, too
TWC beefs up Pac-12 Net carriage in L.A., targets DirecTV