A tense distribution dispute between Disney and DirecTV reached a conclusion as the two companies reached a new deal that marked the restoration of Disney-owned channels on the satellite TV provider. The disagreement, which led DirecTV to stop airing Disney channels on September 1, created an inconvenience for sports fans who were unable to watch popular events like NFL games on ESPN's "Monday Night Football" and US Open tennis on ABC. Over 11 million subscribers had been without access to the Disney stations during the dispute, causing frustration among viewers.
In a joint statement, Disney and DirecTV expressed appreciation for affected viewers' patience and announced the reinstatement of Disney's entire portfolio of networks just in time for major events like college football and the Emmy Awards over the weekend. The distribution deal not only aimed to restore the channels but also to offer new choices for customers, including the inclusion of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ streaming services in various packages. Additionally, DirecTV customers will have the opportunity to access the upcoming ESPN standalone streaming service at no extra cost.
Amidst the resolution, both companies acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but highlighted the importance of providing customers with increased flexibility and options within their entertainment experience. The agreement aimed not only to appease customers but also to introduce enhancements that would benefit DirecTV subscribers moving forward. Despite the challenges faced during the dispute, the companies emphasized the value of patience exhibited by their customers as they navigated through the process of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.