DirecTV to Acquire Dish Network for $1 and Assume $9.75 Billion in Debt

The merger aims to create the largest US pay-TV provider and help both companies better compete against streaming services.

The deal will see DirecTV acquire Dish Network and Sling TV from EchoStar for a nominal payment of $1, along with the assumption of $9.75 billion in debt.
The merger is contingent upon Dish bondholders agreeing to a $1.568 billion reduction in the principal amount of the company's debt.
EchoStar plans to use the proceeds to focus on its 5G wireless business, Boost Mobile, which aims to cover 80% of the US population by the end of 2024.
DirecTV and Dish have lost a combined 63% of their satellite customers since 2016 due to the rise of streaming services.
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval and other conditions.