Disney has filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court against Dish Network, the parent company of Sling TV, over the latter’s new Day Pass offerings that give short-term access to ESPN and ESPN2. The passes are marketed as a 24-hour block for $4.99, a weekend option for $9.99, and a weeklong pass for $14.99. Disney argues these passes would directly compete with ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service, which is $29.99 per month on an unbundled basis. The company contends that Sling Orange’s new offerings were introduced without prior notification or agreement and violate Disney’s existing distribution license; Disney has asked the court to require Dish to comply with the deal when distributing Disney programming.
Sling TV dismissed the allegations, saying, “We are aware of what has been filed and believe Disney’s lawsuit is meritless. 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.”
Disney also moved to have the case filed under seal, so further details from the complaint have not surfaced.
Context and background
The dispute touches on evolving strategies in how streaming services package and price access to popular networks. Sling TV traces its origins to Sling Media and the Slingbox, a device designed to extend local cable signals over the internet. Dish later acquired Sling Media, and Sling TV grew to commercialize a broader distribution relationship with major networks. Disney has been negotiating with multiple distributors to offer skinnier bundles that give consumers more choice, including deals with Charter and DirecTV. This lawsuit marks a shift in which Disney is the plaintiff in a licensing dispute, rather than a defendant in a carriage dispute like the one with FuboTV that was resolved previously.
What this could mean for the streaming landscape
– Licensing terms and short‑term access: The case could influence how studios enforce license agreements when distributors experiment with time-limited passes or trial access windows that resemble direct-to-consumer offerings.
– Bundling versus unbundling: The conflict highlights ongoing tensions between big-brand networks seeking control over how their channels are packaged and the push to offer flexible, à la carte options to consumers.
– Precedent for enforcement: If Disney succeeds in constraining Sling TV’s Day Pass strategy, it may encourage other distributors to negotiate tighter terms around digital access and licensing in a rapidly changing market.
Takeaway
The lawsuit underscores Disney’s commitment to protecting its licensing framework even as the streaming wars push more flexible consumer options. By challenging Sling TV’s Day Passes, Disney signals that it expects distributors to honor existing deals while navigating a landscape that prizes simplicity and choice for viewers.
Summary
Disney has sued Dish Network over Sling TV Day Passes that could undercut ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer pricing, arguing the passes violate a licensing agreement. Sling TV maintains the suit is meritless and plans to defend its pricing model, while both sides await further judicial steps as the case moves forward. A broader backdrop remains: the streaming industry is contending with licensing terms, bundle flexibility, and how best to deliver content to an increasingly price-conscious audience.