Disney, DirecTV reach deal to revive ESPN, ABC, other networks as college, pro football season ramps up

Disney and DirecTV announced Saturday that they had reached an agreement to restore “the entire portfolio of networks,” including ESPN and ABC, to the satellite provider after a two-week blackout.

The “deal in principle” comes as the college and pro football seasons get underway

“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DIRECTV and Disney are empowering consumers to tailor their video experience with more flexible options,” the two companies said in a joint statement.

“Disney and DIRECTV have a long history of connecting consumers to the best in entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment, recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney content and the growing consumer preference for DIRECTV.”

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The companies “thank all affected viewers for their patience,” adding that “Disney's entire portfolio of networks” will be restored “in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”

The college football season started in late August and, among other things, DirecTV subscribers were not able to watch last Tuesday's presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump, which was hosted by ABC, or the US Open tennis. , as well as the NFL's “Monday Night Football.”

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DirecTV's 11 million subscribers have had no access to Disney-owned channels since Sept. 1 amid license renewal negotiations. (Reuters/Rick Wilking)

DirecTV's 11 million subscribers have had no access to Disney-owned channels since Sept. 1 amid license renewal negotiations.

Customers of satellite providers can now choose more genre-specific packages, such as sports or family programming, to better compete with streaming offerings. Customers can also add Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, Disney's streaming services, to the package.

DirecTV Chief Marketing Officer Vince Torres revealed Thursday that the two-week blackout caused them to lose customers.

DirecTV subscribers missed two weeks of college football. (Stephen R. Silvani-USA TODAY Sports / IMAGN)

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Last year, Disney and cable provider Spectrum TV had a similar dispute where ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel and other networks were restored, but Spectrum subscribers lost others like Freeform, FXX and FXM. Spectrum now offers free ESPN+ and Disney+ for some packages.

Reuters contributed to this report.