TV and football fans rejoice! After almost two weeks, DirecTV and The Walt Disney Company have put down their swords and agreed to a new deal that will see the cable provider carry the studio’s entire slate of networks and direct-to-consumer services. The agreement has already taken effect, with DirecTV customers waking up this morning to find their access to channels like ABC and ESPN restored. In addition to these networks returning via cable boxes, they are also now available through DirecTV Stream and for U-Verse customers, though a final deal for a multi-year contract is still being worked out.
“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DirecTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options,” the companies said in a joint statement. “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.”
Much of the current deal seems to be predicated on the notion that cable is the past and streaming is the future, meaning it wasn’t enough for DirecTV to just carry Disney’s portfolio of linear offerings like ABC-owned television stations, ESPN networks, branded channels, Freeform, FX networks, and National Geographic channels. Instead, DirecTV also wanted to provide access to streamers Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, all of which will now be included in select packages under a wholesale agreement, as well as on an individual basis. The Mouse House has also given the TV provider distribution rights for their upcoming ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer service, which is expected to launch in 2025.
The feud between the two companies started on September 1 when DirecTV pulled all Disney-owned properties from its service. This was solem new for sports fans eager for the return of ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” and the US Open on ABC. Access to these events was denied to more than 11 million subscribers. Disney tried to convince DirecTV to air their ABC News channel for the highly anticipated Presidential debate this week, but even the importance of that television moment wasn’t enough to convince the provider to fold, especially since the feed was run to other networks.
Thankfully, this is all put to bed for the time being, and viewers are once again comforted by Disney and DirecTV’s infinite offerings, including the Emmy Awards, this Sunday, September 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC and streaming on Hulu the following day.