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1h ago

Disney Sues Dish to Block Sling’s Short-Term Passes Carrying ESPN

Disney argues the micro-bundles breach monthly-only licensing terms.

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Overview

  • Disney and ESPN filed the case in the Southern District of New York under seal (docket 1:25-MC-00368), and an initial public complaint was not available as of Tuesday evening.
  • Sling’s Day, Weekend and Week Passes cost $4.99, $9.99 and $14.99 and grant temporary access to the 34-channel Sling Orange tier, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and Disney Channel.
  • Disney says Sling launched the passes without its knowledge or consent, requested that its networks be removed from the offers and alleges Dish refused.
  • Sling has disputed Disney’s claim about lack of notice, previously saying partners were briefed, and has characterized the lawsuit as meritless in a statement reported Wednesday.
  • The short-term access model excludes Sling Blue networks such as Fox and NBC-owned channels, and industry observers note it could undercut ESPN’s $30-per-month direct-to-consumer service by enabling cheaper event-driven viewing.