Disney pulled its programming from DirecTV’s programming on Sunday, ceasing all viewing of ESPN, ABC and other networks.
This action comes while the two companies are working on a new multi-billion-dollar licensing agreement as the five-year contract ended on Sept. 1.
Unable to reach a deal, the blackout hit more than 11 million sports fans at the start of college football and NFL seasons.
Until the blackout ends, DirecTV customers will need to turn to non-cable, live TV streaming options to watch ESPN and all the other channels under the Disney umbrella. Here are a few ways to watch during the blackout.
DirecTV, Disney update:How dispute affects Oklahoma, OSU Week 2 college football games
How to watch ESPN, Disney Channel, more without DirecTV
ESPN+
ESPN+ is the streaming service owned by ESPN and The Walt Disney Co. ESPN+ does not provide access to ESPN's traditional TV content, but it does air other shows and sporting events.
Plans for just ESPN+ start at $10.99 a month, but there are bundles available, which also include Hulu and Disney+, that cost $14.99 a month.
Sling TV
Sling TV's Orange plan has 34 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and Disney Channel. Right now, get your first month of Sling Orange for $20. The subscription charge is $40 per month after that.
YouTube TV
You can stream major broadcasts and cable networks, including ESPN, with YouTube TV.
New users can start with a free trial, but then only play $64.99 a month for the first four months. It's then $72.99 a month after that.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers over 90 channels, including ESPN, plus access to ESPN+ and Disney+. Get a subscription for $76.99 a month.
Fubo
Fubo offers ESPN and other channels, plus the ability to record your favorite shows to the Cloud DVR. The subscription service is $79.99 per month.
Statements from Disney, DirectTV statements on the blackout
Both parties have commented that the other is causing the blackout on customers. A joint statement was released Sunday night from Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Dana Walden and Alan Bergman and ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro.
"DirecTV chose to deny millions of subscribers access to our content just as we head into the final week of the US Open and gear up for college football and the opening of the NFL season. While we're open to offering DirecTV flexibility and terms which we've extended to other distributors, we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs. We invest significantly to deliver the No. 1 brands in entertainment, news and sports because that's what our viewers expect and deserve. We urge DirecTV to do what's in the best interest of their customers and finalize a deal that would immediately restore our programming."
DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun also shared a statement Sunday night.
"The Walt Disney Co. is once again refusing any accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and now the American judicial system. Disney is in the business of creating alternate realities, but this is the real world where we believe you earn your way and must answer for your own actions. They want to continue to chase maximum profits and dominant control at the expense of consumers – making it harder for them to select the shows and sports they want at a reasonable price.”
What's on this week?
Sooners vs Houston
Oklahoma University Sooners play the Houston Cougars at home Saturday, Sept. 7 at 6:45 p.m. Because of the blackout, the game is only able to be watched on Fubo if you're not willing to make the trip to the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium with some tickets starting at $44.
Cowboys vs Arkansas
Oklahoma State Cowboys also are at home this Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. at the Boone Pickens Stadium, and due to the blackout can only be viewed on Fubo or purchasing a ticket.
U.S. Open
The U.S. Open is typically watched on ESPN and ESPN2 (Channels 206 and 209) but due to the blackout the matches can be seen on Hulu, Sling TV, Youtube TV and Fubo TV where ESPN is not free on these platforms unless there is a free trial.
NASCAR Atlanta Motor Speedway
Saturday's Atlanta Motor Speedway covering won't be in the dark. NASCAR will broadcast the Cup Series races on the USA channel, which is not owned by Disney, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 7.
MLS, Premier League, Int'l Soccer
MLS will not be in the dark as Apple TV is the only way to watch the teams. Premier League and La Liga will not be on any screens this weekend as the games are on pause for FA Cup.
Other sports not listed
This week is packed with games from all fall sports at professional and collegiate level. To see if your team is playing on an ESPN channel, view the daily schedule here.
David Wysong of The Enquirer and Mike Snider of USA TODAY contributed to this report.
