DirecTV Subscribers Rejoice as Disney, DirecTV Reach Deal

It sounds like Disney and DirecTV have managed to work out a new agreement just in time for some major TV events. This deal will see Disney’s channels, including ESPN, ABC, FX, and National Geographic, return to DirecTV's lineup after a nearly two-week blackout. This resolution is well-timed with college football and the Primetime Emmy Awards coming up. It seems like both companies found common ground just before key programming dates, which should be a relief for viewers and sports fans alike.

DirecTV said Disney’s “full linear suite of networks” is being restored to satellite, DirecTV Stream and U-verse customers “while both parties work to finalize a new, multiyear contract.”

DirecTV also has the rights to distribute Disney’s upcoming ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer service with its expected 2025 launch — at “no additional cost to DirecTV customers.”

In a joint statement, the two companies said: “Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DirecTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options. DirecTV and Disney have a long-standing history of connecting consumers to the best entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment by recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney’s content and the evolving preferences of DirecTV’s customers. We’d like to thank all affected viewers for their patience and are pleased to restore Disney’s entire portfolio of networks in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”

The expiration of their previous agreement on September 1 set the stage for this blackout, causing DirecTV's more than 11 million customers to miss significant programming, including college football, the U.S. Open, and NFL's "Monday Night Football." The timing of the blackout, coupled with DirecTV's announcement of a price increase taking effect October 6, likely added to customer frustration. Fortunately, the new deal has restored Disney’s channels just before more major sports and entertainment events, which should help mitigate some of that discontent.

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