DirecTV Just Scored a Major Win - Find Out What's Returning After a Nightmare 2-Week Blackout

After a nearly two-week blackout, DirecTV subscribers can finally rejoice as ESPN and other popular channels are set to return to the platform thanks to a new deal with Disney.

The long-awaited agreement comes as a significant relief to millions of viewers who were left without access to their favorite sports and entertainment channels, including ABC, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, FXX, National Geographic, and ESPN. The blackout, which began on August 31, was a result of a dispute between DirecTV and Disney over carriage fees, with both parties unable to come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

However, in a surprise turn of events, the two media giants announced on September 12 that they had reached a new multi-year deal, paving the way for the channels to return to the DirecTV lineup.

According to reports, the agreement includes a new contract that will see DirecTV continue to carry Disney’s suite of networks, including ESPN, which is one of the most popular sports networks in the United States. The exact terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed to include a significant increase in carriage fees for Disney.

The return of ESPN and other Disney channels is expected to be a major boon for DirecTV, which has faced criticism from subscribers and investors over the blackout. The company has been working to restore the channels as quickly as possible, with some reports suggesting that they could return to the lineup as early as September 13.

“We are pleased to have reached a deal with Disney that allows us to deliver their networks to our customers,” said a spokesperson for DirecTV. “We appreciate the patience and loyalty of our subscribers and are committed to providing them with the best possible viewing experience.”

Meanwhile, Disney also welcomed the agreement, saying that it was pleased to have reached a new contract with DirecTV. “We are committed to delivering our high-quality networks to our viewers, and we are glad to have reached a deal that allows us to do so,” said a spokesperson for Disney.

The return of ESPN and other Disney channels is a major coup for DirecTV, which has been competing with other pay-TV providers, such as Comcast and Charter Communications, to retain subscribers. The company has been investing heavily in its streaming service, DirecTV Stream, which offers a range of live TV channels and on-demand content.

For Disney, the new deal is also a significant win, as it secures a long-term agreement with one of the largest pay-TV providers in the United States. The company has been expanding its presence in the streaming market, with the launch of Disney+, which offers a range of exclusive content, including movies, TV shows, and original programming.

Overall, the return of ESPN and other Disney channels to DirecTV is a welcome development for subscribers, who can once again access their favorite sports and entertainment programming. The new deal is also a testament to the enduring relationship between DirecTV and Disney, which have been partners for many years.