Disney has filed a lawsuit against Sling TV parent company Dish Network over Sling’s newly-announced “Day Pass” offerings, which would provide short-term access to channels like ESPN and ESPN2, late Tuesday in U.S. District Court in New York, according to Front Office Sports. The lawsuit comes as Disney-owned ESPN is promotiing its new direct-to-consumer service, […]
Disney has filed a lawsuit against Sling TV parent company Dish Network over Sling’s newly-announced “Day Pass” offerings, which would provide short-term access to channels like ESPN and ESPN2, late Tuesday in U.S. District Court in New York, according to Front Office Sports.
The lawsuit comes as Disney-owned ESPN is promotiing its new direct-to-consumer service, which could allegedly be undercut by Sling TV’s new “Day Pass” plan. The ESPN networks are being marketed in Sling TV packages in 24-hour blocks for just $4.99, with a weekend option and weeklong option going for $9.99 and $14.99, respectively.
Each of those plans would seemingly create direct competition to ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer product, which costs $29.99 per month in an unbundled bases. But in the lawsuit, Disney is alleging the new “Sling Orange” offerings “run afoul of their existing distribution agreement and was introduces without prior notification or agreement,” according to FOS. A normal Sling TV subscription will run a household $45.99 per month.
“Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement,” Disney said in a statement, according to FOS. “We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”
For their part, Sling TV dismissed Disney’s claim.
“We are aware of what has been filed and believe Disney’s lawsuit is meritless,” Sling TV wrote in a statement to FOS.. “We will vigorously defend our right to bring consumers a viewing experience that fits their lives, on their schedule, and on their terms. We are excited about our new pass subscriptions and the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from fans looking for simple, affordable ways to enjoy the content they love.”
This report will be updated.
Category: General Sports
