DirecTV users lose access to ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels due to contract dispute
DirecTV and Disney were unable to reach an agreement over the weekend, after which Disney removed channels from the platform.
Scripps News
Many DirecTV customers were affected by the recent blocking of ESPN, Disney Channel, FX and several other networks and channels.
DirecTV and Disney have been negotiating a new deal to keep Disney’s content on DirecTV’s satellite and streaming services, including U-Verse TV, as a five-year deal expired on Sept. 1. The suspension hits sports fans at the start of college football season and when NFL games begin next weekend.
While the lockdown continues, DirecTV customers will have to resort to non-cable live TV streaming options to watch ESPN and all the other channels under the Disney umbrella. Here are some ways to watch during the lockdown.
Why aren’t ESPN and other channels on DirecTV?
Because no agreement could be reached, Disney content was shut down on DirecTV on Sunday, leaving more than 11 million pay-TV subscribers unable to watch ESPN and ESPN2 just as the college and professional football seasons were beginning.
Other lost channels include ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN News, ACC Network, SEC Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, FX, FX Movie Channel, FXX, Freeform and the National Geographic channels.
How to watch ESPN and other Disney-owned channels without DirecTV
Sling TV
Sling TV’s Orange package includes 34 channels including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and Disney Channel. Now you can get your first month of Sling Orange for $20. After that, the subscription fee is $40 per month.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV lets you stream major shows and cable networks, including ESPN.
New users can start with a free trial, but then pay just $64.99 per month for the first four months, after which it costs $72.99 per month.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is the streaming service of ESPN and The Walt Disney Co. ESPN+ does not offer access to ESPN’s traditional TV content, but does broadcast other shows and sporting events.
ESPN+-only plans start at $10.99 per month, but packages that also include Hulu and Disney+ are available for $14.99 per month.
Fubo
Fubo offers ESPN and other channels, as well as the ability to record your favorite shows to Cloud DVR. The subscription service costs $79.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers over 90 channels, including ESPN, plus access to ESPN+ and Disney+. Get a subscription for $76.99 per month.
USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider contributed to this report.
