Disney and DirecTV Face Off in High-Stakes Renewal Talks
Negotiations could see ESPN, ABC, and other Disney channels go dark for millions of DirecTV subscribers if no agreement is reached by Sunday.
- DirecTV seeks more flexible, genre-based channel packages to align with consumer preferences.
- Disney has proposed various options, including sports-centric packages and bundling streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu.
- A federal injunction has temporarily halted the launch of Venu, a sports streaming venture by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
- The NFL and college football seasons are starting soon, heightening the urgency for a resolution.
- DirecTV's subscriber base has significantly declined, intensifying the need for a favorable deal.