A significant corporate clash looms between DISH Network and its streaming service Sling TV, with the potential to disrupt access to ESPN and various Disney-owned channels in 2026. Legal disputes between the companies have escalated, particularly concerning the upcoming expiration of their carriage agreement, which has raised alarms among millions of subscribers who could face programming blackouts similar to prior disputes during high-demand seasons.
The conflict ignited in August 2025 when Disney filed a lawsuit against DISH in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Disney’s lawsuit challenged Sling TV’s recent introduction of short-term subscription passes—one-day, three-day, and seven-day options priced under five dollars. These passes allowed users temporary access to channels including ESPN and Disney Channel but were criticized by Disney as breaching their current licensing deal since such offerings were launched without prior approval. Disney argued that this new model threatens the revenue structure built around its premium content, especially live sports.
In November 2025, a federal judge denied Disney’s request for a preliminary injunction against the subscription passes, asserting that the company did not demonstrate immediate and irreparable harm. The ruling permitted Sling to continue its marketing efforts, particularly during high-demand sports events, although it did not settle the fundamental breach claims. Following this, Disney amended its complaint to maintain pressure on DISH.
The conflict escalated in January 2026 when DISH filed a countersuit against Disney and ESPN, claiming antitrust violations and breach of contract. DISH accused Disney of leveraging its dominant position in the sports market to enforce unfavorable bundling practices on distributors. The countersuit highlighted concerns over inflated costs passed on to consumers and instances where Disney allegedly offered better terms to rival platforms, further stifling competition in innovative streaming packages.
As the carriage agreement between DISH/Sling and Disney approaches a 2026 expiration, both parties face challenging renegotiations. Disney’s history of strong-arm tactics in prior disputes with companies like Spectrum and DirecTV raises concerns about the potential for channel withholding if negotiation demands are unmet. Analysts suggest that the ongoing litigation is likely to solidify positions, complicating the renewal process. The loss of ESPN could significantly impact DISH and Sling TV amid ongoing trends of cord-cutting, especially during pivotal sporting events like the NFL playoffs.
The ramifications of this dispute extend throughout the pay-TV industry, showcasing the evolving tensions between traditional media companies and modern streaming models. While DISH promotes its short-term passes as a consumer-centric approach to viewing, Disney perceives this as a threat to its bundled programming model that supports profitability across various channels. As the legal proceedings unfold, outcomes could range from monetary settlements to enforced changes in Sling’s offerings or even regulatory oversight regarding antitrust issues.
With millions of DISH and Sling TV subscribers facing uncertainty, a lack of resolution could result in the loss of not just ESPN, but several other Disney channels, including local ABC stations and National Geographic. This situation highlights the changing landscape of content distribution, where legal challenges increasingly influence entertainment access. As negotiations continue in the coming months, the risk remains high for service disruptions in 2026, leaving viewers watching closely for developments.