Over Labor Day weekend, greater than 10 million DirecTV and U-Verse prospects skilled a blackout of ESPN and different Disney-owned channels resembling ABC. The channels went off the air proper earlier than the LSU-USC school soccer recreation and throughout the US Open tennis event. Amid a current licensing deal disconnect, DirecTV misplaced its rights to hold Disney programming. With large occasions just like the US Open in play and tentpole sports activities like school soccer and the NFL beginning up, ESPN is an important viewing platform. How can followers keep within the loop?
How can I nonetheless watch ESPN with the Disney-DirecTV blackout?
If you do not have cable entry to ESPN proper now, you will get instantaneous entry to ESPN content material by means of quite a lot of providers together with Hulu + Reside TV, Fubo, and Sling.
What number of channels are affected by the Disney-DirecTV blackout?
The battle impacts ESPN networks, Disney-branded channels, Freeform, FX networks, and Nationwide Geographic channels.
How large of an affect will this blackout have?
The worth of Disney’s portfolio is indeniable as greater than 90% of DirecTV households watched its linear programming each month final yr. Virtually all linear content material is unique to or premieres on Disney’s networks (like ESPN), resembling reside sports activities and occasions. If the disconnect lingers by means of September, viewers might miss extra upcoming occasions, together with the primary Harris-Trump presidential debate and the 2024 Emmy Awards.
Can I get a refund amid the dispute?
DirecTV is providing prospects $20 credit, as a comfort. Subscribers can apply for the credit score on an upcoming invoice.
How can I get extra data?
For extra data and alternate methods to entry ESPN content material, followers can go to KeepMyESPN.com. Take a look at the ESPN help hub for extra help.
