DirecTV Offers Incentives to Customers to Switch to Rivals Amid Disney Dispute
As the ongoing battle between DirecTV and Disney threatens to black out ESPN and ABC channels, including tonight’s “Monday Night Football,” DirecTV has taken an unexpected step: paying its customers to subscribe to rival services.
In response to the escalating conflict, DirecTV has partnered with competitors Sling and Fubo, offering affected customers credits and discounts to ensure they can still access Disney-owned channels. DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and U-Verse customers are being provided with a free week-long trial of Fubo’s packages that include ESPN and Disney networks, along with a $30 credit for the first month. Additionally, DirecTV is offering a $30 credit for Sling’s orange tier, which also includes ESPN.
The move comes as DirecTV enters the second week of its standoff with Disney over an expired distribution agreement, with the two sides far from a resolution. On Sunday, DirecTV filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing Disney of not negotiating in good faith. The company claims that Disney is pushing anticompetitive practices by bundling services in a way that disadvantages consumers.
More than 11 million subscribers have been impacted by the blackout, which has removed ABC, ESPN, and other Disney channels from DirecTV’s lineup. This dispute comes at a critical time, with the NFL and college football seasons starting, and a high-profile presidential debate on ABC looming.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, DirecTV has announced price hikes, with monthly fees increasing by $2 to $10 beginning in October, further complicating its relationship with subscribers.
A Disney spokesperson responded, urging DirecTV to prioritize its customers and reach an agreement that would allow subscribers access to Disney’s highly anticipated sports and entertainment programming, including the return of “Monday Night Football.”