Disney and DirecTV have come to an agreement ending a dispute that left millions of DirecTV subscribers without access to Disney-owned channels for over two weeks. The new deal not only restores these popular channels but also introduces more options for streaming content and more customized channel bundles at different price points.
The blackout started on September 1st and impacted more than 11 million DirecTV subscribers, denying them shows on channels like ABC and ESPN. Major sporting events like NFL games and tennis matches were blocked during this period. Both parties expressed relief that subscribers can now once again view all of Disney’s programming through their DirecTV service just in time for the weekend schedule of college football and Sunday’s Emmy Awards ceremony.
But the new agreement goes beyond simply restoring the previous arrangement. The companies will now provide “multiple genre-specific options” of smaller cable-like channel bundles focused on sports, entertainment, and kids content at lower monthly rates compared to the standard package. Details on pricing and exact channel lineups were not revealed.
A significant part of the deal centers around incorporating Disney’s streaming platforms, which include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, into some DirecTV plans. Customers will also have the standalone option to subscribe to these streaming services separately with more freedom over which content they access. Additionally, when it launches in mid-2025, DirecTV subscribers will gain access to Disney’s upcoming ESPN streaming service at no extra cost.
