Sling TV, an internet TV service owned by Dish Network, introduced a new package two weeks ago that allows you to sign up to win 24-hour live TV or just pay for a week or a week.
Disney and ESPN are currently screaming for a foul. The new sling package says it violates the terms of the media company’s programming distribution agreement. Disney filed a lawsuit against food in US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, attempting to remove Disney’s network to three services.
“The new Sling TV products were made available without our knowledge or consent and violated the terms of the existing licensing agreement,” a Disney representative said in a statement. “We asked the court to request food in order to comply with the transaction when distributing programming.”
Disney’s existing licensing agreement with Dish Network provides Dish TV and Sling TV customers with programming access through only monthly subscription plans. Disney claims that short-term length is outside the approved range of the contract.
In a statement to Variety, a Sling TV spokesperson said the Disney lawsuit was “less worthwhile.”
“We recognize what has been filed and believe that Disney’s lawsuits are worthless. We are fiercely defending our clients the right to provide a viewing experience that suits their lives, with a schedule and conditions,” the Sling official said. “We are excited by the overwhelmingly positive response we received from fans looking for a new pass subscription and a simple and affordable way to enjoy the content we love.”
A Sling TV spokesperson said, “We are proud to have launched our latest Sling Orange Subscription Offerings, Day Pass, Weekend Pass and Week Pass.
The Sing pass has access to 34 channels available in the sling orange layer, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Disney Channel, TNT, TBS, AMC, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, Nick Jr., A&E, MGM+ Drive-In, Comedy Central.
When launching the Day Pass ($4.99), Sling pitched it as a way to watch live sports without signing up for a long-term plan. “Big games start in three hours and you need a way to stream live TV. “Enter Day Pass with Sling. Industry-changing products offer instant access to 34 most popular live channels on cable for $4.99, which is usually less than you would spend on lunch.”
Other packages from Sling are weekend pass ($9.99) and Week Pass ($14.99). These are designed for viewers who want to watch live sports, award shows, or other events without paying more than a month.
The case is ESPN Enterprises, Inc. et alv. DishNetwork, LLC, Docket no. 1:25-MC-00368. According to the court’s application system, Disney/ESPN filed an appeal to file a lawsuit under the lawsuit and had not filed its first complaint as of Tuesday evening.
Food did not contact Disney before starting the Sling Day, Week, or weekend pass. After the new pass was announced, Disney contacted the food and requested that the company immediately remove Disney content from its Sling Orange Day Pass, Weekend Pass and Week Pass offerings. However, the food is said to have refused to do so.
