Pac-12 Networks deal with DirecTV could be right around the corner

After three long years, DirecTV subscribers are finally getting the news they've been waiting for: It appears an agreement is finally imminent that would result in Pac-12 Networks being carried nationwide by the satellite giant.

For those who have been following this debacle of a negotiation since the Networks were launched, you surely will be taken aback by how Pac-12 Networks reporter Ashley Adamson characterized the current state of affairs:

I'm as hopeful as all of you the DirecTV/Pac-12 Network deal gets done, we've been told discussions are "very fruitful" & mgmt is optimistic

— Ashley Adamson (@AdamsonAshley) August 28, 2015

Fruitful? Optimistic? Definitely not the words used to describe the talks between the two parties for pretty much the entirety of this mess.

So what's changed? AT&T took over DirecTV recently, and AT&T has been a good partner of the Pac-12 since the networks launched. It made sense logically to think that the acquisition could spark talks that had gone beyond contentious and into outright animosity.

With reports that DirecTV is actually testing Pac-12 Networks on a channel (612 if you're wondering), it appears a deal just might get done before WSU kicks off against Portland State next weekend. For all you DirecTV subscribers, no more hunting for a bar that carries the Cougs.

And for WSU (and all the other conference schools): A boost in revenue.

Links

Washington State’s Luke Falk was ‘born to be a quarterback’ | The Seattle Times
Falk — he of the impeccable work ethic, film junkie habits and the ability to rally people around him — is the product of his life experiences, and everything he’s been through has helped mold him into what the Cougars hope will be their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.

WSU position preview: Special teams - Spokesman.com - Aug. 29, 2015
PULLMAN – The old football truism that special teams account for one-third of a game of football – defense and offense also being of roughly equal importance – isn’t really true. But even though special teams plays only comprised 307 of Washington State’s 2,245 plays in 2014 (13.7 percent), head coach Mike Leach says the adage isn’t far off.

Pac-12 preview: Washington State looking for offense-led resurgence | The Salt Lake Tribune
The heat of Mike Leach’s seat may be a little overstated. No, last year wasn’t all that great. But for one thing, look at Leach’s contract: He and Washington State are bound at the hip, ...

Editorial - Optimism abounds as new football season begins | Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Sports fans in Washington state need something to take their minds off the dreadful season the Seattle Mariners are having.

WSU inducts Beach into Hall of Fame - Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor resident Pat Beach will be inducted into the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame this fall.

Cougar Volleyball Sweeps Past Elon - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Freshman McKenna Woodford had 12 kills (.370), seven digs, one ace and two blocks in the Elon win.

Pac-12 Mailbag: Josh Rosen, Steve Sarkasian reaction - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
The latest edition of the Pac-12 mailbag includes reaction to Josh Rosen being named UCLA's quarterback and coverage of Steve Sarkasian's rant.

Secrecy vs. open book — practice strategies vary - SFGate
A look at the different practice policies around the Pac-12 when it comes to the media.