2024-09-03 05:00:02
ESPN, Disney Channel, FX and several other networks and channels went dark Sunday night for DirecTV subscribers.
DirecTV and Disney have been negotiating a new contract to keep Disney’s content on DirecTV’s satellite and streaming services, including U-Verse TV, as a five-year contract ended Sept. 1. The blackout hit sports fans at the start of the college football season and when NFL games begin this upcoming weekend.
As long as the blackout continues, DirecTV customers will need to turn to non-cable, live TV streaming options to watch ESPN and all the other channels under the Disney umbrella. Here are a few ways to watch during the blackout.
Why are ESPN, other channels not on DirecTV?
Unable to reach a deal, Disney’s content went dark on DirecTV Sunday, leaving more than 11 million pay-TV subscribers unable to watch ESPN and ESPN2 just as the college and pro football seasons get underway.
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Other channels lost include ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN News, ACC Network, SEC Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, FX, FX Movie Channel, FXX, Freeform and the National Geographic channels.
How to watch ESPN and other Disney-owned channels without DirecTV
Sling TV
Sling TV’s Orange plan has 34 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and Disney Channel. Right now, get your first month of Sling Orange for $20. The subscription charge is $40 per month after that.
YouTube TV
You can stream major broadcasts and cable networks, including ESPN, with YouTube TV.
New users can start with a free trial, but then only play $64.99 a month for the first four months. It’s then $72.99 a month after that.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is the streaming service owned by ESPN and The Walt Disney Co. ESPN+ does not provide access to ESPN’s traditional TV content, but it does air other shows and sporting events.
Plans for just ESPN+ start at $10.99 a month, but there are bundles available, which also include Hulu and Disney+, that cost $14.99 a month.
Fubo
Fubo offers ESPN and other channels, plus the ability to record your favorite shows to the Cloud DVR. The subscription service is $79.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers over 90 channels, including ESPN, plus access to ESPN+ and Disney+. Get a subscription for $76.99 a month.
Mike Snider of USA TODAY contributed to this report.
