DirecTV and Disney have reached a standstill in their contract negotiations, causing several popular channels, including ESPN, Disney Channel, and FX, to go dark for millions of viewers. The blackout began Sunday night, leaving over 11 million pay-TV subscribers without access to these channels.
The dispute arises from the expiration of a five-year contract on September 1, with the two companies unable to agree on new terms. As a result, Disney’s content was pulled from DirecTV’s satellite and streaming services, including U-Verse TV. Channels affected include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN News, ACC Network, SEC Network, Disney Junior, Disney XD, FX, FXX, Freeform, and National Geographic.
This comes at a particularly inconvenient time for sports fans, as ESPN is currently airing the U.S. Open tennis championships and has major college and professional football games on its schedule. The blackout also impacted the USC vs. LSU game, which was set to air Sunday night, as well as other upcoming events like Monday Night Football.
For viewers who rely on Disney-owned ABC channels, there’s also concern about missing the September 10 presidential debate.
Both companies have publicly defended their positions. Disney officials stressed the value of their channels and content, stating they won’t accept a deal that undervalues their offerings. They urged DirecTV to act in the best interest of their customers and quickly reach an agreement.
On the other hand, DirecTV accused Disney of making excessive demands and expressed frustration over the situation. DirecTV chief content officer Rob Thun suggested that Disney is worried about antitrust issues, following a recent federal judge’s decision to halt the launch of Venu, a new streaming platform involving Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The judge ruled that the platform could potentially harm competitors like Fubo, a sports streaming service.
DirecTV has been pushing for smaller, more customized channel packages to give viewers more choice and value, rather than the traditional large bundles that include many channels people don’t watch. Thun criticized Disney’s approach, accusing the company of prioritizing profits over consumer interests.
Both sides have been appealing to the public to gain support. DirecTV subscribers saw warnings on ESPN about the potential loss of the channel, urging them to visit KeepMyESPN.com for more information. Meanwhile, DirecTV launched UnbundledDisney.com, advocating for more choice and control for viewers.
The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, with no current talks scheduled. Last year, a similar standoff between Disney and Charter Communications led to a nearly two-week blackout. As of now, it’s unclear when or if the two sides will reach a resolution.
