You are correct. They can't say they have reached a deal with them until that deal is signed. Until then they must keep mum and say they are working on it.
Again while a rumor I am hearing more and more buzz that the deal is done, its just down to finalizing the contracts which in this case means making changes to some of the current ESPN/DISNEY contracts DIRECTV already has due to the addition of the online apps and other online and VOD rights. (Aka make sure DIRECTV does no add commercial skip to its DVR's etc..)
But until the contract is signed they will keep on saying they are working on it... well because.... they are working on it.