The long anticipated deal between the Mountain West Conference’s niche TV network — the mtn. — and satellite carrier DirecTV is awaiting final signature.
The breakthrough was announced Thursday by San Diego State athletic director Jeff Schemmel. Hayne Ellis, manager of public relations for the Centennial-based studio, confirmed an agreement has been reached and an official announcement would come when the signatures are in place.
In 2006, the conference did not renew its contract with ESPN and bolted to CSTV. As part of the pioneering deal, the league was promised its own network. The Big Ten has followed with a similar concept.
Just before the mtn. launch, Comcast cable became a full partner with CSTV. However, the mtn which carries most of the MWC’s football and men’s basketball games, has been limited in distribution to cable carriers within the league’s footprint, minus the Dallas-Fort Worth market.
Last summer the conference retained outside legal counsel to speed the process. Fans created online petitions and the conference urged fans to campaign directly to satellite carriers with calls and emails. There is no deal in place with Dish Network.
Although some MWC games are carried nationally on Versus and CSTV, fans of MWC schools living outside the “footprint” as well as coaches recruiting outside the boundaries complained about lack of television access.
In his news conference, Schemmel cited money as the stumbling block through negotiations. The mtn. won’t be available on DirecTV until late this summer.
Natalie Meisler: (303) 954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
