ESPN has been dropped from DirecTV during the U.S. Open tennis tournament and college football weekend for the second year in a row, as Disney Entertainment and the major carrier were unable to reach a new carriage agreement. This left sports fans frustrated and unable to watch their favorite games. The U.S. Tennis Association expressed disappointment over the dispute, particularly as it affected access to the U.S. Open matches. The blackout occurred during a key match between Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin, as well as a college football game between LSU and USC.
Disney and DirecTV have been at odds over terms of the agreement, with DirecTV accusing Disney of anti-competitive behavior and refusing to be held accountable for the blackout. The impasse reflects the ongoing challenges between networks and distributors in the industry. Disney is focused on its direct-to-consumer platforms, while distributors and subscribers are seeking more flexibility in terms of channel selection and pricing models.
The blackout affected not only ESPN channels, but also ABC-owned stations and other Disney-branded channels like Freeform, FX, and National Geographic on DirecTV. Both parties are urging for a resolution to the dispute, with Disney emphasizing the value of its television channels and programs. The situation highlights the complexities of the evolving media landscape and the challenges faced by both content creators and distributors in meeting consumer demands.
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