DISH Files Antitrust Countersuit Accusing Disney of Using ESPN to Force Channel Bundles

Overview

• On January 2, 2026, DISH filed its countersuit in the Southern District of New York alleging Sherman Act violations tied to ESPN carriage.
• DISH claims Disney conditions access to ESPN on paying for lower-viewed networks, describing the practice as illegal tying that inflates costs.
• The requested remedies include unwinding Disney’s FuboTV acquisition and scrutinizing the ESPN–Fox One bundle and ESPN Unlimited.
• Disney has called the allegations meritless and characterized the filing as a distraction from disputes over Sling TV’s short-term passes.
• The move follows a November 2025 ruling that allowed Sling Passes to continue, with industry reporting warning of potential ESPN blackouts for DISH and Sling customers if negotiations break down.