Disney and ESPN Blacked Out on DirecTV, Affecting 11 Million Subscribers

Sep 1, 2024, 11:14 PM

Disney and DirecTV have failed to reach a new carriage agreement, resulting in a blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, on DirecTV platforms. The dispute, which centers around fees, affects over 11 million DirecTV subscribers and comes at a critical time as the NFL season is about to begin. The blackout means that DirecTV customers will miss major sports events, such as Monday Night Football and the USC-LSU game. The negotiations had been ongoing, with Disney reportedly unwilling to accept a deal that undervalues its channels. The blackout also impacts coverage of the US Open, leaving tennis fans without access to the tournament. The situation remains unresolved, with no indication of when the channels might be restored.