Sling TV Faces Disney Lawsuit! What's Happening With Those $5 Day Passes?
Sling TV is making headlines, and not for the reasons they might have hoped. The streaming service, known for its affordable access to live TV, is now facing a lawsuit from The Walt Disney Company. The core of the dispute revolves around Sling TV's new "Day Pass" offerings, which provide short-term access to a bundle of channels, including ESPN and ESPN2, for as little as $4.99.
Why is Disney Suing?
Disney alleges that these new "Sling Orange" offerings violate their existing distribution agreement with Sling TV and were launched without their prior knowledge or consent. According to Disney, Sling TV's mini-bundles undermine the value of their own direct-to-consumer (DTC) service, especially ESPN's new unbundled offering which costs $29.99 per month. The media giant believes Sling TV's passes, priced at $4.99 for 24 hours, $9.99 for a weekend, and $14.99 for a week, directly compete with their own streaming initiatives.
A Disney spokesperson stated, "Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement. We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”
Sling TV's Response
Sling TV, however, is standing its ground. The company released a statement dismissing Disney's allegations, stating, “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.”
What Does This Mean for Sling TV Subscribers?
For now, Sling TV's Day Passes are still available. However, the outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact the future of these offerings. If Disney wins, Sling TV may be forced to discontinue the Day Passes or renegotiate its agreement with Disney, potentially leading to price increases for consumers. Keep an eye on this developing story as it unfolds.
Stay Tuned for Updates
We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available. Stay tuned to newsrpt.com for the latest developments in the Sling TV vs. Disney lawsuit.