Disney Sues Dish Network to Block Sling TV’s Short-Term ‘Passes,’ Alleging They Violate Distribution Agreement
Sling TV, the internet TV service owned by Dish Network, two weeks ago introduced a suite of new packages that let you sign up to get just 24 hours of live TV, or pay for just one weekend or one week.
Disney and ESPN have now cried foul — saying Sling’s new packages violate the terms of the media company’s programming distribution agreements. Disney filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Dish Network in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeking to have the three services shut down.
“Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement,” a Disney rep said in a statement. “We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”
Disney’s existing licensing agreement with Dish Network provides Dish TV and Sling TV customers with access to programming via a monthly subscription plan only. Disney alleges that any shorter-term length is outside of the authorized scope of the agreement.
The passes provide access to 34 channels available in the Sling Orange tier, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and Disney Channel, as well as TNT, TBS, AMC, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, Nick Jr., A&E, MGM+ Drive-In, and Comedy Central.
In launching the Day Pass ($4.99), Sling pitched it as a way to watch live sports without signing up for a long-term plan: “The big game starts in 3 hours, and you need a way to stream live TV. You could sign up for yet another streaming service, but deep down, you know you’re going to overpay or forget to cancel. You feel stuck,” the Sling announcement says. “Enter Day Pass by Sling. Our industry-changing product gives you 24-hour instant access to 34 of the most popular live channels on cable for $4.99 – less money than you typically spend on lunch.”
Sling’s other packages are Weekend Pass ($9.99) and Week Pass ($14.99), which are designed for viewers who want to watch live sports, award shows or other events without paying for a month or more.
Reps for Dish and Sling TV did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The case is ESPN Enterprises, Inc. et al v. DISH Network, L.L.C., docket no. 1:25-MC-00368. According to the court’s filing system, Disney/ESPN filed a motion to file the case under seal and had not filed an initial complaint as of Tuesday evening.
Dish did not contact Disney prior to launching the Sling Day, Week and Weekend Passes. After the new passes were announced, Disney reached out to Dish to request that the company immediately remove Disney content from Sling Orange’s Day Pass, Weekend Pass and Week Pass offerings. However, Dish allegedly refused to do so.
